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

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The character is designed as a tiny human figure, encased in a bubble, and serves as Cru’s moral compass. —

Charlie Fink, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 After railing against Harper all season for her lack of moral compass, Eric has sold out more completely than his ex-mentee ever has, knifing his terminally ill friend Bill Adler (Trevor White) in the back in return for a $20 million buyout and indefinite unemployment. —

Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Sep. 2024 On the other side is Jane’s husband, Lenny, the book’s moral compass. —

Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2024 All media, including social media, can and must help forward this country’s return to its moral compass by providing equal coverage of both 2024 presidential candidates. —

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moral compass