Definition of noblenext
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noble

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noun

as in aristocrat
a man or woman of high birth or social position an elite school for children of nobles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective noble differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of noble are ethical, moral, righteous, and virtuous. While all these words mean "conforming to a standard of what is right and good," noble implies moral eminence and freedom from anything petty, mean, or dubious in conduct and character.

had the noblest of reasons for seeking office

When might ethical be a better fit than noble?

The synonyms ethical and noble are sometimes interchangeable, but ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity.

committed to the highest ethical principles

Where would moral be a reasonable alternative to noble?

While the synonyms moral and noble are close in meaning, moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong.

the basic moral values of a community

When can righteous be used instead of noble?

Although the words righteous and noble have much in common, righteous stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness and often suggests the sanctimonious.

wished to be righteous before God and the world

When could virtuous be used to replace noble?

The words virtuous and noble can be used in similar contexts, but virtuous implies moral excellence in character.

not a religious person, but virtuous nevertheless

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 noble
Adjective
Palazzo Shedir offers guests the opportunity to stay in one of Rome's most storied noble residences. Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The noble houses that have refused to bend the knee to Rhaenyra have done so mostly on the basis of misogyny. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
Today, the adjacent Palo Castle is still owned by the Odescalchi, nobles of princely rank. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026 Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls. Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Here’s one book written by this aristocratic Thai woman almost 80 years ago.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In it, a twelve-year-old boy, Cosimo, rebels against his aristocratic family, and the Enlightenment’s false divide between nature and culture, by climbing a holm oak and spending his life in the canopy.
    Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ryan Eckley did great holding — good job stepping in on our operation, which was awesome.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Scott made it to her feet and was allowed to continue, which wasn't the greatest decision by the referee.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Cornerback Juice Clarke, who started eight games last season and also was an honorable-mention selection, and safety Mac Resetich are back for their senior seasons.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Ingrid is an honorable and moral friend who facilitates her death while staying in a neighboring room.
    Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Our stay was an attempt to escape the responsibilities and obligations that come with everyday life for a weekend, and this was a magnificent place to do that.
    Felicia Brower, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But there is something magnificent about seeing a small island elevate and celebrate its own musical vibes.
    Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Lederer, 67, has a long and impressive history in independent watchmaking, having been a distinguished member of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) since 1985.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The distinguished Indian fashion brand Sabyasachi has partnered with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for a new line of jewelry inspired by the institution’s vast collection.
    Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There were hair-metal bands that only had power ballads — Firehouse or some band with 17th century French aristocrat hair.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • His clients included the Duchess of Windsor, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as prominent aristocrats and other Hollywood celebrities.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The exterior features unique blue accents and matching blue high-performance brake calipers.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • One part of this offensive doctrine is the persistent but unpredictable attacks on tankers leaving the Gulf – so as to keep oil prices high.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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