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 series tracked noble houses across continents; alliances formed, fractured, and reformed over eight seasons. — Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 Zinc also costs less than traditional noble-gas propellants and has a much broader supply base. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
Even with six dragons in tow and a massive army, she’s struggled to project an image of strength to nobles and common folk of the realm. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • The aristocratic Spencer family has been buoying the yellow pages of The Sun, The Daily Mail, and The Mirror for nearly 50 years.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The latest lesson was about the aristocratic and bourgeois aspect of Gucci.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Located 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, the community of around 30,000 is home to a walkable, historic downtown populated with local boutiques and businesses; a legendary theatre; and lots of great restaurants.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Apple Apple's done great work to promote its Music streaming service by showcasing fantastic artists over the years.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • While some might argue that Murphy is an antihero, Hawke viewed him as an honorable man.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
  • There are, of course, many honorable people who own businesses and choose to become politicians.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Lee, meanwhile, is magnificent in a role requiring similar kindness, only laced with loneliness and loss.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Ingela and Marcus run Skärgårdsidyllen Kayak & Outdoor activities in the magnificent archipelago of Grönemad, Grebbestad.
    — Natasha Langan, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests have access to the wonderful 18-hole course next door.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • With the Moon in your sign opposing Venus in your partnership zone, affection could feel wonderful one minute and intrusive the next.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Respini joined the institution three years ago as deputy director and director of curatorial programs after a distinguished tenure as chief curator of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Solange Knowles, sister of Beyoncé and a distinguished musician and artist in her own right, will unveil a large-scale sculpture on New York’s High Line as part of an event staged later this week by Google.
    — Andy Battaglia for ARTnews, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The celebrated institution, attended by the children of aristocrats and wealthy families, has counted many British royals among its students since its founding in the 15th century.
    — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026
  • There's a multitude of Gucci wearers in the world, spanning bratty aristocrats, the new bourgeois, and lads buying outlet merchandise.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Mechanics In both cases, regulators allege the fund advisers marketed themselves as having access to stakes in high profile private companies.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In March 2025, Moncler Grenoble traveled to Courchevel, the French Alps ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley, and the show was staged amid a blizzard at the Courchevel Altiport, Europe’s highest airport at 6,588 feet.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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