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

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
Among noble palaces, Baroque villas and historic hotels overlooking the sea, the island has become a natural set for exclusive events with a strong media impact. Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 6 June 2026 Refusing to play politics doesn’t make a leader more noble or ethical. Harrison Monarth, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
That name comes from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, when the prophet Nehemiah used his influence to coordinate a large assembly to call out the nobles and moneylenders for exploiting the Israelites. Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Fitzgibbons is known for being the chairman of event-planning firm Fait Accompli, which is the go-to wedding organizer within British aristocratic circles.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
  • Born in San Antonio to a mother who was a maid to his aristocratic father, who refused to claim him.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is now much greater emphasis on analysis and data.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The tornadoes that do form in the higher risk area could become intense — EF3 strength or greater — and might also travel long distances.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • These qualities are not always rewarded in the marketplace but are important for honorable living.
    John T. Shaw, Twin Cities, 7 Dec. 2025
  • These are all honorable qualities that coexist in the dynamics of many families.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 29 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But even with a magnificent performance from an inspired goalkeeper, there’s no way that this result should have happened, even with Luis de la Fuente’s decision to leave Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the bench.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Wide baseboard trim, along with a chair rail, crown molding, and a magnificent fireplace surround are elegant and welcoming.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
  • The park and walls have wonderful views, so take a seat and relax.
    Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The latest trend among the bourgeoisie was owning distinguished cats, and Colette was no exception.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Holst is a distinguished professor and chair of mathematics at UC San Diego.
    Akos Rona Tas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • One only has to think about the British fight against Nazism to be reminded that it was made of imperialists, constitutionalists, stick-in-the-mud aristocrats, and the socialists who first helped put Winston Churchill into power and then five years later helped push him out again.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • When Imlay’s affections cooled, Wollstonecraft tried to win him back by attempting to trace a cargo of silver plate (previously the property of French aristocrats) that had gone missing somewhere in Scandinavia.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • Most recently at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the fashion designer and former popstar nailed another one of her signature looks with a silky high-neck midi dress.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
  • Kyiv also wants to maintain a strong army after fighting ends, and Zelenskyy said the latest draft proposal puts it at 800,000 — higher than in an initial framework, according to reports.
    Reuters, NBC news, 12 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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