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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective noble differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of noble are ethical, moral, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

When might ethical be a better fit than noble?

The synonyms ethical and noble are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

Where would moral be a reasonable alternative to noble?

While the synonyms moral and noble are close in meaning, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When can righteous be used instead of noble?

Although the words righteous and noble have much in common, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When could virtuous be used to replace noble?

The words virtuous and noble can be used in similar contexts, but virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

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 noble
Adjective
An executive order, no matter how fiery the rhetoric or noble the intent, applies only to federal bodies. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 Bosses of regulated electricity providers, though performing a noble duty, aren’t on the list, for example. Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
The Board of Rites is tasked with making sure the ceremonies performed by the imperial nobles go off without a hitch, and its members have been dying throughout the series. Kayti Burt, Time, 2 Apr. 2025 The Carolingian Empire was indeed in crisis: Elite leaders denounced each other, the economy was shaky, famine stalked the land, nobles plotted coups against the emperor, and armies were on the march. Matthew Gabriele, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • The psychological drama, which stars Satya Dev in the title role, showcases an elaborate poster featuring the actor in aristocratic regalia surrounded by peacock feathers and ornate details.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The $80,000 price tag includes two people and almost all expenses, including five-star accommodations and a range of one-of-a-kind activities that immerse travelers in Italian culture, history, and aristocratic lifestyle, all in the lap of luxury.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • By many measures, Alonso was already the greatest home run hitter in Mets history.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • There is no greater disparity in the polls than the Sooners checking in at No. 18 in the AP and being the best of the rest among the coaches who voted.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Just continue to guide your daughter toward honorable behavior.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Law enforcement really is an honorable profession that serves the community at whole very well.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • To call this 1,184 hp street-legal Prancing Horse magnificent feels like an understatement.
    Jonny Lieberman, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2025
  • So the first stage of our trip was to visit Avenue of the Giants, the magnificent 31-mile drive through an ancient redwood forest.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The outpouring from the community has been wonderful, and everyone has been willing to help, though there isn’t much anyone can do at the moment, according to Guzauskas.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Jalen Coker, a second-year receiver who’s had a wonderful camp, will play Thursday.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The event will bestow the iconic BAFTA mask upon three distinguished honorees, marking only the sixth time that the BAFTA mask is awarded in the U.S., marking a significant milestone for BAFTA North America.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Friendly House will grant each honoree a separate award for their distinguished efforts and accomplishments.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Where to stay Book now: The Pucić Palace The 19-room Pucić Palace in the heart of the old town offers a chance to channel your inner aristocrat, whether Hapsburg or Targaryen—think heavy drapes, marble bathrooms, and antique furniture.
    Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Bellucci plays Giulio’s mother, a woman from the central Italian region of Umbria – which is where Bellucci comes from in real life – who is married to a Sicilian aristocrat.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Moving forward, the team hopes to compile even higher resolution observations from JWST.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Paramount settled for $16 million, to go to Trump’s future presidential library, but Trump later claimed that the sum was higher, with an additional $16 million in PSAs and ads.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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