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noun

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
There’s something noble in that. Elise Devlin, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 It was founded on noble ideas (rights of citizens, representative government), and the Revolution had produced its own mythology (Bunker’s Hill, heroes of seventy-six). John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
When a noble line holds land for generations those nobles sometimes form a bond with the realm that holds magical power. Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Set in 1819 Hispaniola, just prior to the Dominican Republic’s push for independence, the drama centers on an unexpected trio – a young Spanish noble, a skilled Chinese silk artisan and a Haitian soldier who’s abandoned his post. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • Despite initial criticism that the updates were too aristocratic or extravagant, according to the White House Historical Association, the architecture is now an integral part of the White House’s appearance.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • When both young people meet their end the Baron saves Christina by putting Hans’ brain in Christina’s body, uniting their blurred identities in a joint thirst for revenge, creating a Gothic avenger who hunts down the aristocratic ruffians who ruined their happiness.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 20-year-old was one of many players in the Argentinian squad with solid top-flight experience for their clubs, racking up 13 starts in midfield for Boca Juniors, after being given his opportunity by the great Fernando Gago back in May 2024.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For me, it’s been really essential to read a lot of great information, and to come at the world filled with knowledge and all these ideas of, in my view, much smarter and braver people than myself.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being deceived, Stone, who dated Garfield for four years, conceded that the actor's dedication to the secret was honorable.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath the Sistine Chapel’s magnificent vaulted ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, Charles and Pope Leo XIV prayed together in a special ecumenical service – a first since at least the Reformation.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The latest temporary exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pulling the cover back on one of the planet’s most magnificent animals.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, Mendoza went 21-4 as Columbus’ starting QB in a distinguished prep career.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Somewhere on this wide spectrum of distinguished Duke alums Cooper Flagg will sit.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rounding out the character lineup is Frau von Luber, an erstwhile aristocrat who’s reduced to being the housekeeper in newly wealthy Olim’s castle—which used to belong to her.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The sapphires went on to become a favorite among aristocrats in 19th-century Europe and remain coveted among jewelry collectors.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, energy analysts point to the high costs of setting up in a new remote environment in harsh weather without local infrastructure, labor, or equipment.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • However, Cox said via email last week that the cost of new construction and the site topography where the old police headquarters stood drove the cost up so high that the location was not the best choice.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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