noble 1 of 2

Definition of noblenext
1
2
3
4
5
6

noble

2 of 2

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 staircase leads up to the portego, an enormous salon on the noble floor decorated with 18th-century paintings by Andrea Urbani and a large set of windows overlooking the Grand Canal. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026 But the latest news is a reminder that even the noblest-sounding proposals can have severe unintended consequences. Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Noun
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 One historic pad in London, England, is ready to welcome nobles of the present day. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • My father, a boy, sat in the back seat with his brothers and Choute—Duchess of Montmoreau, née de Troguindy, a beautiful and aristocratic woman who went by this single childhood nickname.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
  • News articles and photos of the casual picnic enamored Americans, transforming their view of the royals as rigid and aristocratic to more down-to-earth.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For a player who isn’t exactly known for his defensive acumen, Dorofeyev made several great defensive plays with his stick.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Even in the United States, his student turned assistant Henry LeTang became the tap teacher to hundreds, from starlets needing tailoring to the great Gregory Hines.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Taylor Heinicke signed off on his NFL career Thursday evening, taking to social media to announce his retirement after an honorable seven-season career with five teams.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • The vast majority are honorable and conform their actions to the rules.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Afterwards, cross the road and wander the magnificent university that inspired Hogwarts.
    Riza Cruz, Vogue, 11 May 2026
  • This week, the Archaeological Museum at the University of Stavanger in Norway announced its recent acquisition of a magnificent sheath, thanks to a curious hiker out for a walk one morning.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Drag is a wonderful and versatile art form that offers joy and freedom of expression.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • It’s been really wonderful to have you on today.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Over time, his work has earned distinguished recognitions from professional organizations and legal associations.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • As the years pass, the distinguished plant bears witness to the private lives of those who seek shade under its boundless branches.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Hedda, a bat bioacoustics researcher, is pressured by a pro-natalist regime; Berthe, an aristocrat, is subjected to animal-magnetism treatments for infertility.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 11 May 2026
  • Intriguingly, the 140 selections on view, ranging from vases to books, Buddhist figurines to landscape painting, literati desk accessories to official portraiture, look nothing at all like the art favored by European aristocrats arrayed elsewhere in the Art Institute.
    Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That could mean more high-density housing in several city neighborhoods, including the College Area, Hillcrest, North Park, City Heights, University Heights, Normal Heights, Rolando, Talmadge and downtown.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • In the meantime, tensions remain high off the Iranian coast after the two sides exchanged fire May 7.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on noble

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster