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

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
Sorrell was skeptical of sorting jobs into categories of good versus bad, or noble versus corrupt. Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 Without this context, stories are more akin to ad copy for a seemingly noble cause than neutral, helpful reporting. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
One historic pad in London, England, is ready to welcome nobles of the present day. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026 There’s also just one overwhelming evil force in this play — the Nazis — whereas Dumas had his musketeers fighting not just ruthless government officials but royalty, religious leaders and nobles. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • News articles and photos of the casual picnic enamored Americans, transforming their view of the royals as rigid and aristocratic to more down-to-earth.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Set the scene The streets of Forte—as insiders call it—are a maze of tall box hedges and gates that shelter private villas built for wealthy and aristocratic Italian families.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • During the raid, the thieves stole the Cotofenesti helmet, one of Romania’s most honorable natural treasures, as well as three golden bracelets, according to the AP.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • After receiving an honorable discharge in 1972, Nolte returned to Raytown to begin a career as an electrician.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Everyone’s soft gazes soon hardened as the magnificent baby with so many rolls and love handles proved to be all unsightly flab.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • However, Antalya’s resort-style atmosphere, magnificent beaches, and calmer surroundings help patients recover as if on holiday.
    K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The honor of speaking at this distinguished ceremony is usually given to an eminent writer.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Congressman David Scott moved our state forward over half a century of distinguished public service – from working to bolster farmers and rural communities to putting health care in reach for children across our state.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Intriguingly, the 140 selections on view, ranging from vases to books, Buddhist figurines to landscape painting, literati desk accessories to official portraiture, look nothing at all like the art favored by European aristocrats arrayed elsewhere in the Art Institute.
    Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In 1811 it was converted into a hotel and became the go-to destination for those on the Grand Tour, the journey across continental Europe that young aristocrats undertook to perfect their education.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Cameras now deploy ever higher frame rates, as seen in the uncanny sheen of blockbusters by James Cameron and Peter Jackson, and films are shot, shown, and restored on ever higher resolutions (4K, 8K, and beyond).
    Dennis Lim, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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