moral compass

American  

[mawr-uhl kuhm-puhs, mor-] / ˈmɔr əl ˈkʌm pəs, ˈmɒr- /

noun

• moral compasses
  plural

1. an internalized set of values and objectives that guide a person with regard to ethical behavior and decision-making.

   a rebellious teenager without a moral compass.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• moral compasses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of moral compass

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

moral compass

The more Mary affords grace to others, the more she gains confidence in who she is, as a person with a strong moral compass forged away from her mother’s ambitions.

From Salon ● Jun. 25, 2026

"By attempting to be all things to all voters," he wrote, "it seems to have lost both its moral compass and its nerve."

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

The series ran from 1993 to 2001 and followed Cordell Walker, a Texas lawman who battles crime with a black belt and strong moral compass.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 20, 2026

“The Europeans were perceived to have high respect for international law and a strong moral compass, so it was like getting the international stamp of approval. So we actually cared for that legitimacy,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 3, 2026

"The guiding star for my moral compass," said I, under my breath.

From Lords of the North by Agnes C. (Agnes Christina) Laut