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
Today, the firm founded in 1985 is known for its anti-mass-market bespoke interiors, furniture, lighting and accessories defined by clean lines, refined proportions, noble materials and a philosophy of luxurious simplicity. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 The writer-producer set his Beauty and the Beast in a fantastical subway world beneath New York City, with Hamilton portraying an assistant district attorney and Perlman the mythic, noble man-beast. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
In true Renaissance fashion, the two were surrounded by their yeomen, personal bodyguards to the nobles. — Rashad Alexander august 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Hélène was born into a world of Russian nobles in exile who transposed their aristocratic geography onto the suburbs of Paris (Meudon, where Hélène grew up, became Miedonsk) and whose Russophone children only began learning French at school.
    — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026
  • And yet these engravings are informed by the artist’s signature subversive irony, incorporating French aristocratic styles to elevate Haitians bent on destroying French colonial power.
    — Elisa Turner, Miami Herald, 29 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
  • Turning slowly, Snyder saw a magnificent bull with heavy mahogany antlers walk into the clearcut.
    — Rich LaRocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The film, set in the magnificent highlands of Montenegro’s Sinjajevina plateau, centers on Gara and her 13-year-old daughter Nada.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • As previously reported, Cezary Skubiszewski was feted with the distinguished services to the Australian screen award, in recognition of his impressive body of work spanning more than 30 years.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Dan Lipinski is a former Democratic congressman from Illinois and a distinguished visiting fellow for the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions at the Hoover Institution.
    — Dan Lipinski, Baltimore Sun, 27 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
  • Attendance is up, teacher pay is at its highest level in district history, and more of our strongest educators are staying in the classroom.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
  • When elections yield a divided government, with the White House held by one party and at least one chamber of Congress controlled by the other, the S&P 500 has historically posted higher average returns than under unified party control.
    — , CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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