Synonyms of honorable

honorable

adjective

ˈä-nər-(ə-)bəl 

1

as in honest

following the accepted rules of moral conduct

the only honorable thing to do is to admit that you were wrong and apologize

Synonyms & Similar Words

• honest
• ethical
• noble
• respectable
• decent
• righteous
• principled
• upright
• good
• upstanding
• nice
• conscientious
• just
• respected
• chivalrous
• irreproachable
• blameless
• unimpeachable
• proper
• virtuous
• moral
• unassailable
• guiltless
• stand-up
• polite
• classy
• scrupulous
• incorruptible
• reputable
• high-minded
• fair
• uncorrupted
• right-minded
• decorous
• seemly
• menschy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dishonorable
• unworthy
• unjust
• ignoble
• unethical
• dishonest
• unprincipled
• low
• criminal
• unrighteous
• evil
• base
• bad
• corrupt
• immoral
• reprehensible
• sinful
• nefarious
• mean
• unfair
• iniquitous
• crooked
• rotten
• roguish
• unscrupulous
• wicked
• vile
• villainous
• wretched
• rascally
• culpable
• knavish
• censurable
• blameworthy
• shameful
• disgraceful
• scoundrelly
• blamable
• disreputable
• loose
• blackguardly
• depraved
• venal
• perverse
• degenerate
• dissolute
• perverted
• degraded
• profligate
• debased
• decadent
• debauched
• libertine
• demoralized
• dissipated
• reprobate

2

as in ethical

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue

it was honorable of you to give all the credit to your friend

Synonyms & Similar Words

• honest
• ethical
• nice
• true
• good
• decent
• moral
• noble
• virtuous
• worthy
• righteous
• respected
• upright
• right
• all right
• straight
• right-minded
• correct
• just
• proper
• legitimate
• exemplary
• decorous
• innocent
• pure
• commendable
• principled
• seemly
• creditable
• esteemed
• reputable
• high-minded
• unobjectionable
• incorruptible
• clean
• irreproachable
• blameless
• scrupulous
• guiltless
• inoffensive
• immaculate
• spotless
• upstanding
• uncorrupted
• angelic
• sanctimonious
• moralistic
• law-abiding
• unerring
• menschy
• incorrupt
• lily-white
• self-righteous
• goody-goody
• rectitudinous
• pharisaical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dishonorable
• evil
• wrong
• bad
• immoral
• unethical
• dishonest
• improper
• sinful
• wicked
• indecent
• unrighteous
• unseemly
• incorrect
• corrupt
• unbecoming
• naughty
• unscrupulous
• indecorous
• depraved
• degenerate
• dissolute
• perverted
• unprincipled
• debased
• debauched
• infamous
• atrocious
• villainous
• vicious
• evil-minded
• low
• vile
• mean
• objectionable
• base
• offensive
• libertine
• blameworthy
• reprobate
• nefarious
• iniquitous
• errant
• fallen
• erring

3

as in moral

guided by or in accordance with one's sense of right and wrong

I believe that if I genuinely cannot decide fairly, I should do the honorable thing and decline to serve on the panel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• moral
• ethical
• conscientious
• honest
• worthy
• responsible
• good
• principled
• scrupulous
• respectful
• decent
• virtuous
• true
• conscionable
• just
• righteous
• reliable
• dutiful
• respected
• upright
• trustworthy
• straight
• right-minded
• observant
• esteemed
• solid
• reputable
• trusty
• overconscientious
• upstanding
• law-abiding
• tried-and-true

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dishonorable
• unjust
• immoral
• unscrupulous
• unethical
• dishonest
• unprincipled
• unconscionable
• evil
• bad
• immoral
• sinful
• wicked
• indecent
• cutthroat
• unrighteous
• unreliable
• untrustworthy
• corrupt
• depraved
• degenerate
• dissolute
• perverted
• debased
• infamous
• atrocious
• debauched
• villainous
• evil-minded
• vicious
• low
• vile
• mean
• base
• nefarious
• iniquitous
• reprobate

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

Recent Examples of honorable

The 1917 star takes on the role of Edward Ferrars, a deeply honorable man who piques Elinor’s interest. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026

All persons having business before this honorable court are admonished to draw near and give their attention, for the court is now sitting. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Initially receiving a general discharge, Matlovich’s status was later elevated to honorable. — USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

From Prime Minister Mark Carney’s standpoint, Canada had no honorable alternative. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing honorable

• honorable mention