moralism

American  

[mawr-uh-liz-uhm, mor-] / ˈmɔr əˌlɪz əm, ˈmɒr- /

noun

1. the habit of moralizing.

2. a moral maxim.

3. emphasis, especially undue emphasis, on morality.

4. the practice of morality, as distinct from religion.

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moralism British  

/ ˈmɒrəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the habit or practice of moralizing

2. a moral saying

3. the practice of moral principles without reference to religion

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Other Word Forms

• antimoralism noun

Etymology

Origin of moralism

First recorded in 1820–30; moral + -ism

Example Sentences

“The biggest change is moving from climate moralism into climate realism,” said Yair Reem, partner at Extantia Capital, a Berlin-based VC firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

But it also hamstrung by its earnestness, with a tone of finger-wagging moralism that is the antithesis of fun.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2023

Born in Virginia and educated in history and political science at Johns Hopkins University, Wilson became a respected intellectual in his fields with an interest in public service and a profound sense of moralism.

From Textbooks • Jul. 28, 2021

And he seems less driven by moralism than bound by legalism.

From Washington Post • May 24, 2019

Religion in the sense of self-surrender, and moralism in the sense of self-sufficingness, have been pitted against each other as incompatibles frequently enough in the history of human thought.

From Pragmatism by James, William

Related Words

• advice
• exhortation
• homily
• lecture
• lesson
• preaching
• tirade