moralist

noun

mor·​al·​ist ˈmȯr-ə-list How to pronounce moralist (audio)
ˈmär-
1
: one who leads a moral life
2
: a philosopher or writer concerned with moral principles and problems
3
: one concerned with regulating the morals of others

Examples of moralist in a Sentence

a smattering of moralists around the country tried to get the songs banned from the radio
Recent Examples on the Web Lewis is, in other words, a moralist who has dedicated his career to an exploration of pragmatism. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2023 My father was the publisher of Penthouse, the most successful and outrageous and probably most controversial magazine of the ‘70s and ‘80s, and a lightning rod for moralists who perpetually sought its destruction. Bob Guccione Jr, Spin, 20 Sep. 2023 The old moralists understood the dangers of insisting on the repayment of unpayable debts. Martin Sandbu, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017 The hatemongers, moralists, police chiefs, and industrialists formed a sinister cabal, conspiring to subvert the work of the wise jurists who dared oppose them. Ian MacDougall, Harper's Magazine, 12 Sep. 2022 The great moralist and philosopher, the late Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks powerfully explained the difference between a contract and a covenant. Michael Eisenberg, Fortune, 4 May 2023 Garcia even had the opportunity to play the moralist. Tyler R. Tynes, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2023 Östlund no doubt regards himself as a moralist. Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Oct. 2022 Ehrenreich wasn’t a scold or moralist. John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 17 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moralist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of moralist was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near moralist

Cite this Entry

“Moralist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moralist. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

moralist

noun
mor·​al·​ist ˈmȯr-ə-ləst How to pronounce moralist (audio)
ˈmär-
1
: a person who leads a moral life
2
: a person who teaches, studies, or points out morals
3
: a person who is concerned with regulating the morals of others

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