IGNOBLE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of ignoble are abject , mean , and sordid . While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit. // an ignoble scramble after material possessions

Q: When would 'abject' be a good substitute for 'ignoble'?

In some situations, the words abject and ignoble are roughly equivalent. However, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility. // abject poverty

Q: When could 'mean' be used to replace 'ignoble'?

The words mean and ignoble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity. // mean and petty satire

Q: When can 'sordid' be used instead of 'ignoble'?

The meanings of sordid and ignoble largely overlap; however, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness. // a sordid story of murder and revenge

ignoble

adjective

ig-ˈnō-bəl

Definition of ignoble next

as in low

belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank an ignoble child who would one day grow up to be a prince among playwrights

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency such an ignoble act is completely unworthy of a military officer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ignoble differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignoble are abject, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When would abject be a good substitute for ignoble?

In some situations, the words abject and ignoble are roughly equivalent. However, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When could mean be used to replace ignoble?

The words mean and ignoble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When can sordid be used instead of ignoble?

The meanings of sordid and ignoble largely overlap; however, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

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 ignoble In fact, the abrupt and ignoble death of his fan-favorite character, the hunky werewolf Alcide Herveaux, early in the final season of the HBO show left him eager to make up for it. —

Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2024 Australia’s laissez-faire automobile attitude puts it in ignoble company. —

Michael E. Miller, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 Yet the upsides certainly outweigh the risk of an ignoble exit. —

Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2024 That admission resulted in Milli Vanilli getting dumped from Arista and having the ignoble asterisk as the only act in Grammy history to have their award taken back. —

Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ignoble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignoble

Adjective

Those ticket sales mark one of the lowest hauls to ever claim first place over the MLK holiday stretch.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 19 Jan. 2025
Here's who qualifies for Biden's $4.2 billion in student loan forgiveness In each of the five cities with the lowest barrier to homeownership, the savings timeline is less than four years.

— Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025