Definition of ignoblenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ignoble differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignoble are abject, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When would abject be a good substitute for ignoble?

In some situations, the words abject and ignoble are roughly equivalent. However, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When could mean be used to replace ignoble?

The words mean and ignoble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When can sordid be used instead of ignoble?

The meanings of sordid and ignoble largely overlap; however, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

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 ignoble The Jets recently saw their local deliveries plummet to an ignoble 4.5 rating, which translates to a meager 350,530 Gang Green households tuning in to WBCS-2. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025 This is an ignoble plan that cites dubious science while elevating the entertainment of a handful of hunters over the revulsion of most Floridians. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025 My focus is down to the ignoble little health annoyances that seem to cap and even eclipse a major setback. John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025 The janky but oddly addictive Friday the 13th: The Game goes offline for good at the end of the year — an ignoble but perhaps inevitable fate for an interactive slasher that’s been plagued by problems since its rocky launch in 2017. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ignoble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignoble
Adjective
  • Shop sets with short and sleeveless tops, shorts, and cropped pants, and even one with a duster, starting as low as $20.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This was, in part, because my family didn’t have a lot of money, and updating electronics was a low priority.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fans, some of them little kids parroting what their parents were saying, called him vile names.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
  • His Max is both vile and charming, and the result is undeniably magnetic.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This one is about a regular old guy, a hedge knight in the plebeian population of Westeros, just trying to get by in a world that isn't kind to the common and poor.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Below that sits the pedestrian CLK 500 and plebeian CLK 350.
    Jeremy Korzeniewski, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The residents said the large block of dirty ice crashed through their roof and landed on their living room couch.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • But because these sensors come into contact with dirty floors, they can easily get covered with dust and other debris.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The spicy, savory kick of cowboy butter elevates a humble pan of sautéed meatballs into your family's new favorite dinner.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
  • So was exuding pride, even behind a humble hot dog stand, which was how his great-uncle Pat got his start.
    Danielle Paquette The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This was the old Magic — the nasty, physical, suffocating defensive team that made every possession feel like work.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026
  • From there, the beef between the two couples runs the gamut from faux-gentile to downright nasty.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The word was considered so vulgar that it was left out of early dictionaries and was rarely printed, though Adams says people were certainly using it.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
  • One day, Dahlstrom made a vulgar joke in a lunchroom referencing oral sex and pubic hair, according to the employee.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To do so is to be tacitly complicit in what these companies know to be wrong, unethical and immoral.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Lawyers for the church argue that Morris’ agreements with the church preclude him from those benefits if he was fired or resigned because of immoral behavior.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ignoble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignoble. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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