conscience

noun

Definition of consciencenext
as in mind
one's internal sense of right and wrong Her conscience told her to find the lost wallet's owner.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conscience The law guarantees freedom of conscience and the free exercise of religion while requiring the state to remain neutral. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 The killing, often deliberate, of more than twenty thousand children in Gaza injured consciences, not purses, and consciences could be managed with some ritual censuring of Benjamin Netanyahu or his proudly bigoted colleagues. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 Some cold cases do eventually thaw…the result of a crisis of conscience or a dying declaration, but in the case of Shergar, sure seems like a long shot. — Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 The government took a neutral stance, meaning lawmakers voted according to their consciences rather than along party lines. — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conscience
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscience
  1. mind
  2. morality
  3. values
  4. scruples
  5. standards
  6. heart
  7. character
Noun
  • But this is an album that’s apparently about the artist’s double life, and the questions that are bound to be at the forefront of any curious listener’s mind go unaddressed.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Eco effort Because Kanai is a protected area, eco efforts are top of mind.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of mind
Noun
  • Students were recorded chanting against the morality police and political repression.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This perception of threat, intertwined with a harsh interpretation of religious morality, dominated 17th-century life, with the optimistic, protective and compassionate aspects of Christianity often overpowered by fear and a desire to judge.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Sayegh also puts her staying power down to her father’s influence, which instilled core values like honoring deals, treating people with respect and booking movies based on audience demand and not personal taste.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of values
Noun
  • Spreadsheets existed in 2006, but here they are kept, like everyone’s shame and scruples, firmly out of sight.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Hilton rejects the argument floated by some of his former colleagues that his scruples became a casualty of his ambition.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of scruples
Noun
  • Professional societies and standards organizations will need to develop and regularly update the technical requirements.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Cornell University’s investigation, of course, did not have to adhere to New York’s arguably archaic criminal standards, but its response, too, has triggered anger and disbelief across airwaves and social media.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of standards
Noun
  • Brockman’s message received 40 hearts, five checkmarks, and three thank-you emojis.
    — Garrison Lovely, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Many dietary recommendations overlap with long-standing heart-health advice, such as eating more fruits, vegetables and fish.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Given how Wade is defined by his love of hallucinogenic mushrooms and off-roading in an ATV, the character is designed to be played big, and Heaton appears to be enjoying himself.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine alum Fumero’s character, Teri, is a detective inspector for the New Jersey State Police.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of character

Browse Nearby Words

consanguineous
conscience
conscientious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conscience.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscience. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conscience

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conscience

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