moral compass

noun

plural moral compasses

: a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong

Mr. Mandela was unique. How often in a generation does a giant walk among us, with brilliance and courage, guided by an immaculate moral compass?

—Tayari Jones

There are common causes for lapses in ethical judgment that can include ego, power, greed, fear, compulsion, embarrassment, rationalization, or basic lack of a moral compass.

—Kevin Woodhouse

Women who work hard to make businesses and communities better and help set our moral compasses with their actions are my heroes.

—Edie Boan

also : someone or something that serves as a standard for guiding moral choices, judgments, or behavior

Here was the lead character, the show's moral compass, played by its best-known actor—and this is what happens to him?

—Kristi Turnquist

In his role as manager of Changes Group Home in New London, Henderson serves as a moral compass for young men who need direction.

—Tim Frogerg

Examples of moral compass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The former sheep herder has a 35-man army ready to make the first move, but his moral compass is still nagging at him. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 16 Mar. 2025

That same passion for justice has inspired her to write novels and screenplays about women with strong moral compasses who fight for what’s right against corporate greed, right-wing environmental forces, unjust legal prosecutions, and toxic masculinity. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025

The pariahs deemed monstrous, Ne Zha included, might have within them a more commendable moral compass. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025

Griffith played the titular character with a strong moral compass while Knotts portrayed the bumbling, often over-eager deputy Barney Fife. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for moral compass

• encompass
• rumpus

Kids Definition

moral compass

noun

: a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong