moral authority
Americannoun
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moral authorities
plural
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authority that comes from the principles of what is right and wrong rather than just from laws.
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the quality of being considered trustworthy and influential regarding what is right and is wrong.
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a person or institution considered trustworthy and influential regarding what is right and is wrong.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Armed with an eloquent, righteous fury, he speaks to journalists with a stirring moral authority.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
"Europe's position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation."
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
“With what moral authority can she come to lead a transition to democracy?”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 4, 2026
“Leanne” is, and that gives the moral authority to stand against that tide instead of monetizing neutrality.
From Salon ● Aug. 10, 2025
She was considered the moral authority of the community.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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