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

The chivalrous Ted, Leslie reveals, not only pressured her to abort their child, but enlisted former brother-in-law Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) to threaten her to keep away. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 5 May 2025

He's remained a core player ever since as the chivalrous yet sometimes hot-headed Nicholas Newman. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024

This chivalrous gentleman was joined by a starstruck insect. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 June 2024

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