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 Trump isn’t interested in being honorable — he’d rather be feared, argues columnist Jonah Goldberg. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026 Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 Rickman played Colonel Brandon, the quiet, honorable, older man who falls in love with one of the Dashwood daughters, Marianne (Kate Winslet), competing for her heart against the secretly scandalous John Willoughby (Greg Wise). Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026 If one’s lord died, ritual suicide was considered an honorable expression of loyalty – an extension of the general rule that samurai should follow their lord. Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honorable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable
Adjective
  • But these songs are also honest, sometimes despite themselves, about the feelings of impotence associated with watching history play out on a screen.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
  • At least Mamdani was honest and campaigned as a socialist.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Karp’s defense of Epstein raises ethical and professional questions.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The party is attempting to establish itself as the responsible anchor of a fragile coalition — a role that demands ethical clarity, internal coherence, and strategic restraint.
    Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Tall, affectionate and funny, Charles moved through life demanding moral clarity, which could be intimidating, Savannah said.
    Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Benedict Cumberbatch will undoubtedly bring the intelligence, depth, and moral complexity this role demands.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Netflix's Bridgerton is a Regency-era series about the romantic follies of the noble Bridgerton family.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Values to be tested Its obsession is also unusual in an industry prone to mission drift, where tech companies are founded on noble notions of improving humanity — before the obligations to investors take over.
    Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Attendees said D’Amaro came across as charming and he and Walden, who joined halfway through, had a nice rapport, with both looking happy and excited.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Elizondo, who had a nice game all around, led the Eagles with 13 points including 2 threes.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Those places were unregulated, untaxed and, typically, not particularly conscientious about checking ID.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Many states are new enacting or widening already broad religious and conscientious exemptions.
    Richard Hughes IV, STAT, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That said, Bailey has put together a respectable season at a very young age.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Johnny Cash played Folsom Prison when respectable artists wouldn’t go near convicts.
    Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That speaks of self-protection, not transparency or true accountability for Andrew, who has denied all allegations against him.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Mass debranding is also required because, in true FIFA style, only the governing body’s official partners and sponsors can be visually present at the World Cup.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Honorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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