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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
Rolling out 152 years after the turbulent events of Season 2, this expansive run continues the noble efforts of an emboldened band of exiles on their exhausting quest to save humanity and restore civilization after the inevitable fall of the Galactic Empire. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 June 2025 The film will see Madison play twins — one noble, one common. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 June 2025
Noun
While Henry worries about the risks of invasion by Spain or of a religious civil war, Cromwell, whom nobles nickname Crumb for his low birth, envisions a world that’s less beholden to ancient hierarchies. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2025 In the past few centuries, land has changed hands on major scales: from nobles to commoners during the French Revolution, from Native peoples to European settlers in North America, and from the wealthy to the poor in China, Russia, and Mexico. The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Related Articles Fresh off designing the priest’s robes for the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, the designer with aristocratic roots took another deep dive into the history of France.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
  • While Nancy Mitford’s life was all aristocratic escapades splashed across the gossip pages, Bessie Carter has a penchant for German techno and British electronic-music festivals, comfy T-shirts on her days off, and a nebulizer for her vocal cords.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • That was the name of one of my great friends growing up in Brooklyn.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the film’s pulse-pounding excitement is merely a feint to suggest how the rush for vengeance — no matter how justified — only brings about more killing, dragging down honorable intentions and leaving blood on everyone’s hands.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • Milk was forced to resign from the Navy and receive an other than honorable discharge.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the long odds, most sportsbooks did just fine with Spaun sinking that magnificent 64-foot, 5-inch putt to win it all.
    Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • It is filled with many wonderful surprises discoverable to the 200,000-plus visitors who come during the busiest time (November to July) and escapade around its hilly terrain in the signature island vehicle, the mini Moke.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Fragrance Foundation proudly recognized Leonard for his distinguished accomplishments both as the Hall of Fame Honoree in 1990 and as the inaugural honoree in 2000 for the first ever Circle of Champions.
    Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
  • Such a remarkable actor, a distinguished gentleman who could just give so many different colors in performance.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Once reserved for aristocrats, these menageries opened to the public in the 17th and 18th centuries; commoners could also attend performances hosted by itinerant showmen who traveled from town to town with exotic species in tow.
    Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
  • East to West Traverse of the Alps Why: Cycling across the Alps puts an athletic twist on the Grand Tour, a coming-of-age adventure across western Europe that was undertaken by young aristocrats in the 18th century.
    Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Key stat Muncy tied his career high with seven RBIs.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Daily high temperatures are forecast to be well into the 90s, with overnight temperatures dropping only into the mid-70s from the Great Lakes to the East Coast.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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