Moral — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈmȯr-əl/ mor·al

Meaning & Definition of Moral

Moral (adjective)

  1. of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior, ethical
  2. expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior
  3. conforming to a standard of behavior that is considered right and good by most people

Moral (noun)

  1. the moral significance or practical lesson (as of a story)
  2. a passage pointing out usually in conclusion the lesson to be drawn from a story
  3. moral practices or teachings, modes of conduct

Moral (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue

    "the kind of moral behavior that is expected of everyone in the parish's youth organization"

    similar: all right, decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, just, nice, right, right-minded, righteous, straight, true, upright, virtuous
    related: correct, decorous, proper, seemly, high-minded, noble, principled, commendable, creditable, exemplary, legitimate, esteemed, law-abiding, menschy, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy, blameless, clean, guiltless, immaculate, incorrupt, incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, unobjectionable, angelic, lily-white, pure, scrupulous, spotless, uncorrupted, unerring, goody-goody, moralistic, pharisaical, rectitudinous, sanctimonious, self-righteous
    opposite: bad, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong
    near: improper, incorrect, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, perverted, reprobate, unprincipled, unscrupulous, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, blameworthy, objectionable, offensive, iniquitous, nefarious, errant, erring, fallen

  2. guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong

    "a moral decision to refrain from sexual relations until after marriage"

    similar: conscientious, conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable, just, principled, scrupulous
    related: decent, good, righteous, right-minded, straight, upright, virtuous, dutiful, observant, respectful, overconscientious, reliable, responsible, solid, tried-and-true, true, trustworthy, trusty, esteemed, law-abiding, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy
    opposite: cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous
    near: bad, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unrighteous, wicked, unreliable, untrustworthy, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted, reprobate, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, iniquitous, nefarious

Moral (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in value, norm

    similar: norm, value, precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet, hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit, assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition, supposition

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Moral

The most common words with a similar meaning to Moral:

all right, decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, just, nice, right, right-minded, righteous, straight, true, upright, virtuous, conscientious, conscionable, principled, scrupulous, norm, value, precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet, hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, basis

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Moral

Words with the opposite meaning of Moral:

bad, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, unethical, unrighteous, wicked, wrong, cutthroat, unconscionable, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous

Related Words for Moral

correct, decorous, proper, seemly, high-minded, noble, commendable, creditable, exemplary, legitimate, esteemed, law-abiding, menschy, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy, blameless, clean, guiltless, immaculate, incorrupt, incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, unobjectionable, angelic, lily-white, pure

Near Antonyms of Moral

improper, incorrect, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, perverted, reprobate, atrocious, infamous, villainous, base, low, mean, vicious, vile, blameworthy, objectionable, offensive, iniquitous, nefarious, errant, erring

Word Forms of Moral

Derived words: morally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Moral

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin moralis, from mor-, mos custom

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Moral

Words & Phrases Containing Moral

moral compass, moral hazard, moral philosophy, moral ambiguity, moral authority, moral support, moral victory, the moral high ground

Frequently Asked Questions about Moral

What does "Moral" mean?

"Moral" means of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior, ethical. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior, ethical. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Moral"?

Other words for "Moral" include all right, decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, just and nice. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Moral" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Moral"?

There are 109 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Moral". Common alternatives include all right, decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, just, nice, right and right-minded.

What is the opposite of "Moral"?

Antonyms of "Moral" include bad, dishonest, dishonorable, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent and sinful. Near antonyms include improper, incorrect, indecorous and naughty.

How do you use "Moral" in a sentence?

Examples of "Moral" in a sentence: "the kind of moral behavior that is expected of everyone in the parish's youth organization"; "a moral decision to refrain from sexual relations until after marriage".

Is "Moral" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Moral" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Moral" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Moral" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Moral"?

"Moral" is pronounced /ˈmȯr-əl/ and divided into syllables as mor·al.