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
As a result of COVID, an altruistic and noble program was initiated to protect restaurant staff who were suffering. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 All kinds of people forged unity out of noble ideals (community, sovereignty, freedom) and also out of less noble ones (racial and other exclusions and fierce anti-British sentiments). Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Noun
That name comes from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, when the prophet Nehemiah used his influence to coordinate a large assembly to call out the nobles and moneylenders for exploiting the Israelites. Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 This observation was recorded in part by a Japanese noble named Fujiwara no Sadaie in his diary, entitled Meigetsuki. Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Fitzgibbons is known for being the chairman of event-planning firm Fait Accompli, which is the go-to wedding organizer within British aristocratic circles.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
  • In my experience, some Americans with an overly keen interest in English aristocratic traditions seem motivated by disdain for their fellow citizens who are not descended from white Europeans.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Roberto Duran, the Central American nation’s most famous son, is one of the greatest boxers in history.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The Lincoln home site provides another dimension to the study of the man often cited as the nation’s greatest president.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Granger's intentions are honorable, and O'Donnell sparks his performance with life, making his tragic end that much more gutting.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
  • Deputy Public Defender Carlos Bido said in court that Perry is retired and received an honorable discharge from the military.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the reality for magnificent creatures like this one is stark.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
  • But its real appeal to collectors lies in that magnificent metal open-gate manual shifter.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Cutting a ribbon, celebrating this wonderful binational relationship, and the wonderful Gordie Howe Bridge that is the new crossing linking Windsor and Detroit.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • However, while this plant is wonderful for home gardens and dinner tables, not all plants will work well as its neighbor.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • An assemblage of distinguished jurists, Ivy League professors, nonprofit leaders, journalists, and theologians sat around me in a half circle.
    Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
  • What distinguished Didion is her style, so carefully milled as to be not noticed at first.
    Zinzi Clemmons, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • One only has to think about the British fight against Nazism to be reminded that it was made of imperialists, constitutionalists, stick-in-the-mud aristocrats, and the socialists who first helped put Winston Churchill into power and then five years later helped push him out again.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • The 66-year-old aristocrat now lives in a five-bedroom farmhouse on the King’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • While Daly City is widely known for having the highest concentration of Filipinos in the region, the broader San Jose metropolitan area boasts a thriving community of about 109,000 Filipino Americans, according to Pew Research data.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • Mets shortstop Bo Bichette drove in a career-high six runs, and the Braves lost 7-5 Friday at Citi Field.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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