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
But, of course, Cullen will always be remembered as Optimus Prime, the leader of the noble Autobots in numerous iterations of Transformers lore. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026 At least that bad-optics outburst, while insubordinate, had something noble at its basis. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
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 Today, the adjacent Palo Castle is still owned by the Odescalchi, nobles of princely rank. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Often, entrants include these alongside aristocratic and highbrow interests in a way that could reduce the appearance of snobbishness.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Village Photographer Madeleine de Sinéty sloughed off her aristocratic upbringing and spent her life capturing small-town life in Brittany and Maine.
    The New York Review of Books, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.
    Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The group meets monthly and is open to those with honorable, general and other-than-honorable discharges.
    Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
  • All persons having business before this honorable court are admonished to draw near and give their attention, for the court is now sitting.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As Katia Schörle, one of the experts featured in the film, explains, wild animals embodied a world that was both magnificent and terrifying.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Drawing on the rich architectural heritage here, magnificent historic properties have been turned into elegant boutique hotels, not only in the capital but also in tranquil villages across the island.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Tom Tugendhat is a Conservative member of Parliament in Britain and a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute.
    Tom Tugendhat, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The award joins a distinguished roster of BMAC honors celebrating some of the most influential figures and organizations in music and culture.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Most activities that were listed in this era, including hunting, fishing, golf, horse riding, and sailing, reflected an idealized version of rural life, carried out mostly by aristocrats at large country estates.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The first series introduced us to Eddie Horniman (Theo James), a young British aristocrat who had inherited his father’s grand country estate, only to discover that behind the family money was a secret cannabis empire.
    Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The data set shows the Hong Kong chief executive is the second-highest earner ​globally with $719,000 annually, followed by the Swiss president at $606,000.
    Reuters, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Summer is finally nearing its end, though the high temperatures linger, making any thought of hot chocolate and curling up in blankets on the couch dangerous.
    Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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