Definition of honorablenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective honorable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of honorable are conscientious, honest, just, scrupulous, and upright. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of honorable?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

In what contexts can honest take the place of honorable?

Although the words honest and honorable have much in common, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When could just be used to replace honorable?

The synonyms just and honorable are sometimes interchangeable, but just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

When would upright be a good substitute for honorable?

While the synonyms upright and honorable are close in meaning, upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

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 honorable These are all honorable qualities that coexist in the dynamics of many families. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 29 Nov. 2025 To some people, Thompson’s killing was, like Heydrich’s, an honorable assassination. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2025 To keep the homeland safe, America needs a strategy to deter a devastating war, preserve its strategic position in Asia, and thereby maintain an honorable peace with China. Eyck Freymann, Time, 4 Nov. 2025 In 2021, the Vietnam Veterans of America presented Agnes with an award for her dedication, devotion and honorable military service. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for honorable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable
Adjective
  • Yet, to be honest, our dance card is already mighty full with a whole array of different kinds of gigs – from big pop shows to classic rock concerts and a number of different small club shows.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Shared finances, emotional investments or trust issues become crystal clear, prompting honest conversations and practical decision-making.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Find a tax preparer, but first review the agency's tips to find an ethical one.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
  • However, ethical leadership requires a clear boundary between policy disagreement and the normalization — or tacit justification — of violence.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The radical shifts in France — regicide, the Committee of Public Safety’s terror, and expansionist campaigns — dissolved the moral and practical basis for the alliance.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Without genuine emotional experience or moral agency, AI cannot provide the accountability that comes from being seen by another person.
    Dr. Jesse Finkelstein, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • By splicing pop songs and familiar meme formats into cruel detainment footage, ICE strains to attract a younger demographic, hoping to convince people that the agency is a vibrant—and trollishly funny—organization engaged in the noble work of putting away bad guys.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • In this case, focusing on a dress versus the altruistic work Turner is doing feels like an attempt to discredit that very noble work.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The suede upper is also a nice departure from classic leather on other styles.
    Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Monogramming linens and towels is always a nice touch.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Bindi’s only six years older, but is very conscientious and a real caregiver.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • There are unanswered overtures from the choir’s pianist Horner (Robert Emms), a soft, vulnerable young man whose conscientious-objector status renders him a fellow outsider.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But after a transfer of ownership and a revamp of the voting body, the Golden Globes TV awards have gotten positively respectable.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Rookie Andres Borregales made 27 of 32 attempts, a respectable mark.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This is especially true for plants that are marginally hardy in your area, as well as common perennials like woodland phlox, lamb’s ear, and hardy geraniums.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Fellow true freshman Joshua Moore should be in line for a bigger role next season as well.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Honorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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