noble 1 of 2

Definition of noblenext
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noble

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noun

as in aristocrat
a man or woman of high birth or social position an elite school for children of nobles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
But for all his noble qualities, my dad was a horrible golfer. John Dunlap, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 In 1469, Simonetta married Marco Vespucci, a member of a noble family of Florentine bankers. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 June 2026
Noun
With the blessing and leadership of various popes, the nobles of Europe raised armies, crossed various countries or sailed to the Middle East to fight and save the Holy Land (Palestine) from Muslim domination, something that echoes down the centuries to today. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 That name comes from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, when the prophet Nehemiah used his influence to coordinate a large assembly to call out the nobles and moneylenders for exploiting the Israelites. Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Rather than maintaining aristocratic distance, Nero linked his public image to the virtues and popularity of spectacle.
    Scott Atran, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
  • The wedding was reportedly held for a member of the aristocratic Schwarzenberg family.
    Staff Author, InStyle, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sneakers are always calling my name (a great travel companion).
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2026
  • Having spent more than 30 years in the makeup industry, founder and makeup artist Jung Saem Mool knows great makeup starts long before foundation enters the picture.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • And Florida passed only because one player made the honorable decision.
    David Mica, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
  • Granger's intentions are honorable, and O'Donnell sparks his performance with life, making his tragic end that much more gutting.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • This trail and several others with magnificent towering rain forest and coastal views can be found at this 2,484-acre state park a 10-minute drive south of Cannon Beach.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026
  • Sea-facing rooms have views of passing ships, cavorting dolphins and the magnificent sunsets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • So many wonderful dinners with friends and nights out on the town.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Soccer – football in much of the world – has a long and wonderful tradition of singing, whether that be in praise of their favorite players, mocking opponents (sometimes, brutally so) or simply urging their team forward.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • In 2014, he was selected to receive a lifetime achievement award for distinguished achievement in television direction from the Directors Guild of America.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 19 June 2026
  • Patriotism And Nationalism Are Not Identical Political philosophers and historians have long distinguished patriotism from nationalism.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The carriage procession, which generally includes senior royals, foreign VIPs, and some of the country’s most influential aristocrats, is the highlight of opening day, with much importance placed on who will be riding with the king and queen.
    Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026
  • One only has to think about the British fight against Nazism to be reminded that it was made of imperialists, constitutionalists, stick-in-the-mud aristocrats, and the socialists who first helped put Winston Churchill into power and then five years later helped push him out again.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Beren has achived high ratings from customers since moving into a stylish dining room that was formerly a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • When nutrient levels are high, feasting algae can quickly reproduce.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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