noble 1 of 2

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
From 1700 to 1978, it was owned by the noble Grisaldi del Taja family from Siena, which tended the land. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025 In the center of it all is Dolly de Leon, who put up a noble fight come awards season for her role as crew member turned top dog, Abigail. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025
Noun
Medieval sumptuary laws dictated who could wear what—velvet for nobles, pearls for the pious, gold for the crown. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025 In medieval times, troublesome nobles were sent to distant towers. Rob Shuter, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Speaking of which, the concept of royalty among members of PFV is no exaggeration, though some of the blue blood flowing through members’ veins is merely aristocratic.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
  • Once owned by Perugia’s noble Raspanti family and later part of the Porta Eburnea district, the estate gradually transformed from a defensive outpost into an aristocratic country residence.
    Laura May Todd, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The country's greatest resource is not oil beneath the ground, but people--inside and outside the country--who still care deeply about its future.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Newsom is certainly right that California is a great state and an economic engine unmatched by other states.
    Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • 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, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Other than honorable discharges carry serious, long-term consequences, including the inability to access veteran benefits and disqualifications on becoming a police officer.
    Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Then there’s the saltwater pool, all of the American mid-century and Danish modern furniture, and certainly the magnificent mountain and palm tree views.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Thiaw has been magnificent for Newcastle so far and this aberration should not overshadow that, but this was a game too far for the German, who surely requires a rest for the FA Cup tie with Bournemouth on Saturday.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Christos honored their promise by gifting me with a wonderful collage in addition to my one-dollar paycheck.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • That scene was so incredibly awkward… and wonderful.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening convenes business and government leaders, distinguished military representatives and dignitaries to honor the military and veteran community, which is one of Harry's close causes.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The two-time Ivy League graduate and distinguished attorney has already penned multiple books that topped The New York Times bestsellers list.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Dracula of Bram Stoker’s novel, a sophisticated aristocrat, remains, like his forebears, an unwelcome stranger.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Yasmin exited finance altogether, embracing her destiny as the socialite bride-to-be of blue-blooded aristocrat Henry Muck (Kit Harington).
    Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Never use your high-beam lights.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The team had started the season on a losing streak, and tensions were high.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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