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

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Not intelligence, not experience, not a moral compass, not the ability to make wise decisions, not the ability to think of the future of the human race. —

Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 By all indications, the 119th Congress needs both practical guidance and a moral compass. —

John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025 Some reported the importance of maintaining their personal moral compass by doing local volunteer work, through support from their families and friends, and participation in religious organizations. —

Jaime L Kucinskas, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 The movie explores the morality and repercussions of dating well below your age group as a woman — a married and working one, at that — so Mathis’ moral compass is subtly symbolized through the object. —

Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for moral compass