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

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 backstory The history of Il Salviatino dates back to 1447, when the noble Orsini family established their presence. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026 Alice - Meaning noble, Alice also elicits feelings of magic and whimsy thanks—in part—to Alice In Wonderland. Holly Garcia, Parents, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
One historic pad in London, England, is ready to welcome nobles of the present day. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2026 There’s also just one overwhelming evil force in this play — the Nazis — whereas Dumas had his musketeers fighting not just ruthless government officials but royalty, religious leaders and nobles. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Set the scene The streets of Forte—as insiders call it—are a maze of tall box hedges and gates that shelter private villas built for wealthy and aristocratic Italian families.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • All of these Les Lalanne pieces belong to the collection of Jean and Terry de Gunzburg — Jean is a Canadian of French aristocratic descent and a Bronfman of the Seagram’s empire; Terry was the creative director of YSL beauty.
    David Lê, Curbed, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Counsell thought Suzuki’s at-bats looked good from the onset of Tuesday’s game and felt the swings in his first at-bat were a great sign.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • What’s the greatest celebrity notes app apology of all time?
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After receiving an honorable discharge in 1972, Nolte returned to Raytown to begin a career as an electrician.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Why did the Pentagon, for no plausible reason other than animus, expel trans service members after years of honorable service?
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And while several must-see redwood groves dot Northern California, in my opinion, driving the Avenue of the Giants is the easiest way to get up close and personal with these magnificent trees.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And Fitzgerald, coming off a magnificent six-interception freshman season, can play nickel skillfully if needed.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s been wonderful over the five generations.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Bringing it back to America is wonderful.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Each episode offers intimate, in-depth conversations with distinguished voices from across the literary landscape—about their lives, their work, and the ideas that shape both.
    Namwali Serpell, The New York Review of Books, 15 Apr. 2026
  • To help make the point, Jude cast the distinguished German actress Nina Hoss as a haughty Austrian executive, who appears as a privileged outsider scanning the city’s streets from the back seat of Angela Răducanu’s vehicle.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Peyton, 27, showed small, delicate drawings of princes, aristocrats, historical figures, writers.
    Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The former shared their hobby with Javanese aristocrats and other elites, and the latter collaborated with local artisans who supplied the materials to serve Indonesian customers.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Mayor Karen Bass said officers will also expand their presence in the area by placing LAPD vehicles in high-visibility locations and using license plate readers in high-risk burglary areas.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • The relay from Adames was in time, but slightly high, and Devers dropped it, allowing a run to score.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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