noble 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6

noble

2 of 2

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
When the noble Federation craft receives a ripple of subspace transmissions emanating from a world circling a violent flare star, Lt. Spock and Commander Una Chin-Riley head up an official landing party to go investigate. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Len Elmore and Tom McMillen’s call for a Maryland alum was noble, but there was no equivalent to Gary Williams walking through that door. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
In one, the Boston commoners Barney and Ann Smith might as well be English nobles for all the red drapery surrounding them. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 On the battlefield, the nobles’ cavalry and superior artillery brutally cut down the rebels. Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • In reality, McArthur was a bull-rider from Clinton and a far cry from the aristocratic type others had pegged him for, Lyons said.
    Tony Holt, Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In the The Cherry Orchard Ranevskaya and her aristocratic household are confronted by the demands of a changing world.
    Jane Levere, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But at first, the seizures were a source of great anxiety for our whole family.
    Grace Bastidas, Parents, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Development and learning Playing with car seat toys is a great way for babies to learn.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Court documents show Blankenship has been employed by the city since 2006 following his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • White Painted Woman was a model of heroism and honorable womanhood: When evil monsters were hunting the Apache people, the White Painted Woman gave birth to a son who would destroy the creatures to help make Earth inhabitable for humanity.
    Alejandra Rubio, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Their odd-couple pairing became a magnificent slow burn of hatred into grudging respect into genuine affection, making for a tantalizing will-they-won't-they.
    Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • These are magnificent achievements that propel Hellebuyck beyond back-to-back Vezina Trophy consideration and into Hart territory while proving that Connor and Scheifele can score while playing better defence than earlier in their careers.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And Giuseppe Trevisani, wonderful guy, is my favorite excuse of all.
    Domenico Starnone, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
  • There’s the potential to still reach 94 points, which might not quite have the same sheen to it as the 99 points achieved by Liverpool’s last title-winning side in 2019-20 but should still be recognised as a wonderful achievement.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Visitors will find more than arcadian Constable landscapes and genteel Gainsborough portraits of aristocrats.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Dividend aristocrats are companies that have raised their dividends in each of the past 25 years.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With their flood of light and color, Yi Ming’s paintings have sold for high prices at charity auctions and have brought the artists invitations to design work for events both in China and abroad.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Israel has paid a high price to protect its citizens in its short 77-year history.
    Rabbi Steve Roth, Sun Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on noble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!