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
• heroical
• 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

Lily falls in love with the charismatic but questionable Ryle; sweet, chivalrous Atlas returns from her past. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2024

McCray’s chivalrous side came out on the first date. —Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024

Given his chivalrous nature, Garnett confined his combativeness during a midweek practice to an emphatic arm swing after beating Bruins center Lauren Betts with a move ending in a layup. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2024

That chivalrous act created an unbreakable bond between the couple, even though something always seemed to be pulling them apart: work, relationships with other people, living in opposite locations on the map. —Taiia Smart Young, Essence, 14 Feb. 2024