1. a person who teaches or promotes moral principles and values
2. a person who is concerned with regulating the morals of others, often in a judgmental way
Usage: often disapproving

Examples

• The philosopher was known as a great moralist who wrote extensively about ethics.
• She considered herself a moralist, always trying to guide others toward better behavior.
• The community moralist criticized the new movie for its violent content.
• Many viewed him as a self-righteous moralist who judged everyone around him.
• The author’s reputation as a moralist influenced how readers interpreted her novels.
• He rejected the label of moralist, preferring to see himself as simply principled.