HONORABLE Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'honorable' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of honorable are conscientious , honest , just , scrupulous , and upright . While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty. // a difficult but honorable decision

Q: How are the words 'conscientious' and 'scrupulous' related as synonyms of 'honorable'?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience. // conscientious in the completion of her assignments // scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

Q: In what contexts can 'honest' take the place of 'honorable'?

Although the words honest and honorable have much in common, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness. // known for being honest in business dealings

Q: When could 'just' be used to replace 'honorable'?

The synonyms just and honorable are sometimes interchangeable, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable. // workers given just compensation

Q: When would 'upright' be a good substitute for 'honorable'?

While the synonyms upright and honorable are close in meaning, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles. // a stern and upright minister

honorable

adjective

ˈä-nər-(ə-)bəl

Definition of honorable next

as in honest

following the accepted rules of moral conduct the only honorable thing to do is to admit that you were wrong and apologize

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ethical

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue it was honorable of you to give all the credit to your friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in moral

guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong I believe that if I genuinely cannot decide fairly, I should do the honorable thing and decline to serve on the panel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective honorable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of honorable are conscientious, honest, just, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of honorable?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments

scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

In what contexts can honest take the place of honorable?

Although the words honest and honorable have much in common, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When could just be used to replace honorable?

The synonyms just and honorable are sometimes interchangeable, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When would upright be a good substitute for honorable?

While the synonyms upright and honorable are close in meaning, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

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 honorable Biopics about music icons occupy a long and occasionally honorable place in the movies. —

Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024 And for those who were denied an honorable discharge, the Pentagon would commit to a streamlined upgrade review process. —

Matthew Mosk, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2025 Brienne of Tarth The most honorable knight in Westeros doesn't have a bad bone in her body. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025 This, combined with the lie President Joe Biden told about not pardoning his son Hunter, shows that the Democratic Party is no longer the party that cares about people or is honorable. —

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for honorable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable

Adjective

Punching probably is a bit overrated, to be honest.

— Michael Cox, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
This moment requires honest, courageous leaders determined to make NYC a bulwark against Donald Trump’s aggressions and committed to using their power to make the lives of working families easier and better.

— Jasmine Gripper, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025