Synonyms of chivalrous

chivalrous

adjective

ˈshi-vəl-rəs 

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature

still engages in chivalrous behavior, such as holding doors for people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• noble
• great
• gallant
• honorable
• high
• sublime
• magnanimous
• heroic
• high-minded
• lofty
• big
• natural
• lordly
• elevated
• worthy
• valiant
• greathearted
• exalted
• venerable
• regal
• knightly
• inspiring
• magnificent
• ennobled
• uplifting
• princely
• majestic
• numinous
• moving
• glorified
• august

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoble
• low
• degenerate
• debased
• vile
• base
• sordid
• vicious
• degraded
• contemptible
• despicable
• offensive
• wretched
• repulsive
• detestable
• hateful
• ugly
• abominable
• squalid
• dirty
• little
• sorry
• dastardly
• lousy
• mean
• narrow
• humiliating
• discreditable
• vulgar
• crude
• ignominious
• coarse
• degrading
• small-minded

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective chivalrous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When would civil be a good substitute for chivalrous?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of chivalrous?

The words courteous and chivalrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When could polite be used to replace chivalrous?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of chivalrous

The maid, in Pistol’s chivalrous estimation, belonged to their lowly number. —Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026

And as the Sheriff called by Ludie to track Carrie down, Lance Arthur Smith is warm, soft-spoken and chivalrous. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

And both the book and the film offered historically nonsensical versions of the Klan as an honorable and chivalrous group fighting for social justice and the virtue of white womanhood. —Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2025

Xavier is both when first introduced, but the slacker pothead lives long enough to reveal his chivalrous side. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 June 2025