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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
The seeds of research and innovation were planted back then, while its pioneering approach was expressed in the ‘60s, when Marvin expanded its scope to diversify into cosmetics — a decision received with skepticism, since at the time cosmetics were seen as less noble products. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025 By sincerely comforting and relying on each other, their love becomes noble. Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 12 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
  • Affluent area residents and Kyoto aristocratic families supported arts following classical traditions, funding Kōetsu’s production of ceramics, calligraphy, and lacquerware.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • All of the pomp around the Open harkens back to tennis’s history as an aristocratic leisure; the first precursor to the Open, in 1881, was held on a grass court in Newport, Rhode Island, at the height of the Gilded Age.
    Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Being able to create ourselves has felt like the greatest, the final privilege.
    Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Selig decided a great way to boost attendance would be to start interleague play, ending an almost century-old tradition of separate but equal leagues that would meet only in the World Series.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Getting an honorable discharge at the height of the Vietnam War was a blessing, as far as I was concerned.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2025
  • An honorable transfer happened with his remains arriving at the Indianapolis International Airport aboard an American Airlines flight on Aug. 15, 2025.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For now, Pinto Canyon Road is the best way to see this magnificent country.
    Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Hosting parties with friends and loved ones would also be a magnificent way to harness this energy.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jalen Coker, a second-year receiver who’s had a wonderful camp, will play Thursday.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • As an essayist, Dasgupta has contributed to distinguished outlets such as Harper’s, Granta, and The New Statesman.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Murder Club is one of those productions that, like the Harry Potter films, gives employment to seemingly every distinguished British performer over the age of 40.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The duplex sits atop Six Charles Street, the former London showroom of Josiah Wedgwood, the father of modern English pottery, who revolutionized ceramics in the 18th century with his innovative designs and royal commissions, turning his work into a global brand prized by queens and aristocrats.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Would England’s aristocrats vote to cut the Premier League?
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fiber: Uses fiber-optic cables for high speeds and reliability.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • That ratio is significantly higher than Milwaukee County as a whole, which has one for every 193 people and the entire state of Wisconsin which has one for every 275 people.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

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