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
They are fueled by the noble goal of encouraging healthy habits but run the risk of feeling accusatory, rendering the subject unbroachable. — Will Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026 Theranos’s mission was noble, Papautsky says, but the science did not and does not hold up. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
The country’s nobles eventually surrendered in exchange for being allowed to keep their lands (some of them may have done so with their fingers crossed). — ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 Within a few years, Edward and some of the York nobles were at odds, and the throne briefly returned to Henry VI. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Luchino Visconti‘s lush, aristocratic worlds have seen a major revival at repertory movie houses over the past year.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Taylor, who reportedly bought his aristocratic title on the internet, was jailed for three years for selling a fake painting by the British artist Lowry through auction house Bonhams.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • L3Harris claims its design can deliver greater range and speed than existing systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Tarantino revealed the most personally meaningful piece of casting in a film filled with great performances — including supporting turns by multiple actors (Austin Butler, Mikey Madison, Sydney Sweeney) who have blown up in the seven years since.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Central to the exhibition is the tension between the honorable and the immoral, the appealing and the revolting.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Dealing with the British, his Tenzing is scrupulous and honorable, but don’t confuse that with subservience.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The magnificent site was the backdrop for a Taylor Swift music video.
    — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Well, in 2026 the Hunter's Moon certainly succeeded in captivating the imagination and attention of photographers, who snapped the lunar disk alongside magnificent natural vistas, glowing cityscapes and ancient wonders.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • An itinerary of hikes, wine tastings, and a sunset cruise offering incredible views of the Santa Barbara coastline is a wonderful way to end the day, while a cozy house with a garden will add to everyone’s enjoyment.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The improbable evening turned into a moving tribute to both Capra himself and his tale of the suicidal banker George Bailey, who comes to realize that his life has indeed been wonderful.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Even among the most distinguished tracks in this knowingly suite-like album, White doesn’t resist his tinkerer’s instinct for microstructures.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • While further plot details can’t be spoiled, the opening sequence has Tarantino’s distinguished style of writing and visually, the Hollywood of 1977 is, in true Fincher style, gritty and dark.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Founded in 1440, the prestigious institution is one of the most famous and selective schools in the United Kingdom, attended over the centuries by prime ministers, aristocrats, and future monarchs.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Jiang stars as Countess Isolde Dragomir, a centuries-old vampire aristocrat at the center of London’s most exclusive social circles.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • It was approved by voters into the county charter in 2004 in an effort to preserve the area’s rural character and prevent high-density sprawl from stretching toward the Brevard County line.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Ben’s view About 32 million Americans take GLP-1s, a higher number than there are American Jews and Muslims combined.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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