morality play

noun

Definition of morality playnext
as in narrative

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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 morality play This may be more true in the United States than in our country, because the United States was founded as a kind of moral project, and therefore [there’s] the sense that history can operate as a morality play. — Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026 McMahon likes to remind scolds that wrestling is a morality play. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, in deep-blue strongholds, law-abiding people and small shop owners keep getting treated like background characters in someone else’s morality play. — Larry Clifton, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026 And yet, many of us still see economic failure as a morality play. — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for morality play
Recent Examples of Synonyms for morality play
  1. narrative
  2. mythology
  3. myth
Noun
  • Arthur says these moves have contributed to a narrative that does not always acknowledge the value of linear.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In the narrative to has unfolded from authorities and passenger accounts, Machchhar had the presence of mind to open the locked door of the cockpit after he was stabbed.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of narrative
Noun
  • Taking a cue from Dante himself, Curci also borrowed motifs from popular mythology.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In mythology, a centaur is a composite creature with the head, arms and torso of a human joined to the body and legs of a horse.
    — Alexandra J. Zanela, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • Yaga reimagines the myth of Baba Yaga, set in a coastal town.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Dante populated his realms of Hell and Purgatory with figures, monsters and moral frameworks borrowed directly from classical Greek and Roman myths.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of myth

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morality play
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Cite this Entry

“Morality play.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/morality%20play. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on morality play

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about morality play

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