morality

noun

plural moralities
Synonyms of morality
1
a
: a doctrine or system of moral conduct
… the basic law which an adequate morality ought to state.—Marjorie Grene
b
moralities plural : particular moral principles or rules of conduct
… we were all brought up on one of these moralities …—Psychiatry
2
: conformity to ideals of right human conduct
admitted the expediency of the law but questioned its morality
3
: moral conduct : virtue
… morality today involves a responsible relationship toward the laws of the natural world …—P. B. Sears
4
a
: a moral discourse, statement, or lesson
ended his lecture with a trite morality
b
: a literary or other imaginative work teaching a moral lesson
"Aesop's Fables" is famous as a morality.

Examples of morality in a Sentence

The group is calling for a return to traditional morality. two groups with clashing moralities The decision may be legally justified, but I question its morality.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Such is the inverted morality of this world that Hesione is relieved to learn that Ellie has in fact arranged an assignation with the handsome Hector, who has flirted with the young woman under a flagrant alias. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The biggest threat to your car was once a coat hanger combined with a questionable sense of morality. — Mike McRae 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026 The ripeness of the material was, for him, in its depiction of morality. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 Lincoln lost that year, but the country benefited from their arguments over the legality and morality of slavery. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for morality

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Time Traveler
The first known use of morality was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Morality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morality. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

morality

noun
plural moralities
1
: moral quality : virtue
judge the morality of an action
2
: a system of moral rules

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