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
The use of noble language to describe a process that weakens constitutional guardrails only widens the disconnect between words and actions. Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026 With A-list talent atop the bill, though, and a noble mission to bring free jazz shows to every corner of Los Angeles, organizers hoped to put the city on the global jazz-festival map alongside New Orleans and Montreal. Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
Baden-Baden has been a spa town since ancient times, luring Roman-era nobles to take the waters there at its natural springs in the Black Forest. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 Today, the adjacent Palo Castle is still owned by the Odescalchi, nobles of princely rank. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Around them, an aristocratic winemaker defines his legacy, a legendary maître d’hôtel seeks his heir, and a reverent wine critic pursues the sublime.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026
  • By the 20th century, summer excursions to the Highlands were a fixture of the aristocratic calendar, with transatlantic visitors soon joining the English to shoot, fish, and feign indifference to horizontal rain.
    Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Initially receiving a general discharge, Matlovich’s status was later elevated to honorable.
    USA Today, 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
Adjective
  • Originally intended for Florence Cathedral’s roof, the statue proved too heavy to hoist and too magnificent to place so high.
    Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The front of the enormous building faces the magnificent Place Vendôme.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Our distinguished community of musical-theater actors deserves greater challenges and if theaters don’t train audiences to take a risk on newer material, its embrace will be yet harder in generations to come.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Satsky’s attorney, Robert Anello of New York, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday that his client has a distinguished 30-year career in finance and an unblemished reputation for integrity.
    Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Instead, Collin makes much of Prussian military aristocrats who feel more disdain than love for Hitler, especially General Carl-Heinrich von Stülpnagel, the military commandant of Paris from 1942 to 1944.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • That fine old aristocrat is a half brother to the Maharajah of Nagod, and his former prime minister, boasting the impressive name and title of Lal Sahib Lal Bhargavendra Singh.
    Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Eastward to Morgan City, Louisiana, the surge could be as high as 3 feet, while southward along the Texas coast, the storm surge could be up to 2 feet as far south as San Luis Pass, the center stated.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Where companies such as Zero and Stark have pushed hard to gain high output numbers in order to win sales, Bonnell hopes to win them by building e-bikes that appeal to riders and enthusiasts at a more visceral level.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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