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moral

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective moral differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of moral are ethical, noble, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When is ethical a more appropriate choice than moral?

The synonyms ethical and moral are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

When might noble be a better fit than moral?

Although the words noble and moral have much in common, noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

In what contexts can righteous take the place of moral?

In some situations, the words righteous and moral are roughly equivalent. However, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When could virtuous be used to replace moral?

While the synonyms virtuous and moral are close in meaning, virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of moral
Adjective
Here, decision-making draws from moral/ethical and commonsense reasoning, where human values and social context shape the outcome. Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The aggressive raids will not deter them from fulfilling their religious, moral, and humanitarian duties toward the oppressed Palestinian people. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
The show reveals that while wealth and access can fuel certain struggles, the real issues stem from within, from our morals, our choices, and our relationships. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 In a world full of cutthroat competitors with questionable morals, this likable and generous everyman struggling with how to react to over-the-top reality TV behavior had viewers rooting him on every step of the way. Ew Staff, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moral
Adjective
  • The American Journal of Transplantation study found that China is likely violating the dead donor rule, an ethical norm which requires all organ donors to be dead before their organs are harvested.
    Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
  • So, if insects can feel pain, as most Americans believe, then there is an ethical reason to protect their welfare.
    Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nelson provided a copy of his honorable discharge, which was issued in 2011 and related to a previous term of service.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2025
  • For Dan Hurley, UConn men, a painful, but honorable end to their historic era Dom Amore: For Dan Hurley, UConn men, a painful, but honorable end to their historic era Dom Amore’s Sunday Read: Will coaching carousel finally snag Dan Hurley’s assistants?
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the exploration phase, deep knowledge allows for meaningful manipulation and novel combinations of knowledge based on the fundamental rules and principles within a field of expertise to produce creative solutions.
    Ming-Chien Chyu, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Country Montessori School is dedicated to providing children an education based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles that focus on the development of the whole child, including the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual.
    Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Viola Davis shared an honest admission about a past interaction with the late Chadwick Boseman.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Be honest about strategic intent: If the acquisition will eventually be fully integrated, communicate this from the beginning rather than creating false expectations of independence.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That dissonance is a function of how eating less meat has been wrapped in a conscientious and moral sheen.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Emily is a conscientious worker who is constantly evaluating her performance and setting ever higher goals.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Wherever the original source of the incorrect headline came from, it was amplified by trusted sources in financial news, creating a very expensive lesson in the value of accurate and reliable reporting.
    Hadas Gold and Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • However, the compounded value of correct predictions in later rounds, particularly the Elite Eight, Final Four, and championship, amplified the separation in weighted performance.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When each channel is evaluated independently, the true value of awareness campaigns becomes invisible.
    Cody Greco, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.
    The Editors, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Within just a few years, Einstein would publish his theory of relativity and launch an entirely new era of physics.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • As with the human brain, there are a lot of theories about how AI functions.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Moral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moral. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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