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
Our protagonists are still beautiful and noble, but no longer kings. Literary Hub, 30 June 2026 The empress returns to her chambers to weep, only to be strangled by a eunuch under the noble consort’s orders. Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026
Noun
The son of Italian nobles, Baldassare Castiglione’s main claim to fame was writing a book of etiquette based on his experience as a courtier, a person who serves as an attendant to a king, queen, or other member of a royal family. René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026 With the blessing and leadership of various popes, the nobles of Europe raised armies, crossed various countries or sailed to the Middle East to fight and save the Holy Land (Palestine) from Muslim domination, something that echoes down the centuries to today. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • As models walked out into the museum gardens with an air of aristocratic tradition, the show became exquisite, almost cinematic.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The Sunday Times has reported claims about Farage’s financial relationship with George Cottrell, an aristocratic, crypto-gambling entrepreneur and on-off aide to the Reform UK leader.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
Adjective
  • Someone who lost their way despite their initial, honorable intentions.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • Manliness is a touchy subject these days, but there was a time when honorable combat was respected above the mere running of one’s mouth.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The gods speak obtusely, even in Nolan’s script, but this magnificent epic leaves us with the ability to heed their meaning.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
  • While hiking trails will be a challenge for those with mobility issues, the main thoroughfare through Muir Woods will not be and invites everyone to enjoy these magnificent trees and space.
    Kimberley Lovato, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Its method is both distinguished and derived from nineteenth-century classics, from which Rohmer distills a modernism of variety, ambiguity, complexity, and fragmentation.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
  • Brand was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1972 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1978 as a distinguished member.
    Norah Judson, Des Moines Register, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Oceanfront has long been treated as the aristocrat of waterfront living, prized for its horizon lines, lull of the tide and powerful symbolism of standing where land gives way.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Built in the late 1600s for a homesick Italian aristocrat, Newington House brought a taste of Italy to the Oxfordshire countryside.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Wall Street looked past geopolitics even as oil prices climbed on the back of lower-than-expected inflation figures that sent tech stocks higher.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • The new findings showed that symptom-free older adults who harbored very high levels of p-tau217 had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment over five years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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