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
While that’s a noble and smart goal, there is some wiggle room. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026 The movie taps into what’s noble and valid and genuine about those feelings. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
While life expectancy was lower during the 15th Century, nobles like Simonetta often lived longer due in part to their wealth. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 June 2026 One of these high-ranking British nobles was the Earl of Euston. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • And now House Velaryon—an aristocratic clan that, unlike most in Westeros, is Black—was engaging in it too.
    Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Bellucci plays Giulio’s mother in an aristocratic Sicilian family that leaves her feeling oppressed.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If cultural norms do shape footballing identities, that gap may help explain why the Spanish game has historically placed a greater premium on collective structures than some of its European neighbours.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • His greatest series let people see a character who has revealed the filthiest, most shameful parts of themselves, and imagine them as a mirror.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ingrid is an honorable and moral friend who facilitates her death while staying in a neighboring room.
    Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Olson received a tactical operations support award from the sheriff’s department in 2023 and was scheduled to receive a five-year honorable service award this month.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Finalists, who have just been announced, have captured magnificent shots of everything from fish protecting their young to human impact – good and bad.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In Sterling’s determination to get the Lotus running and to drive it come what may, Tregenza presents the need for speed as a magnificent obsession and the thrill of physical experience as a spiritual quest.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Football legends such as Charlie Ward, Travis Hunter and Eric Berry headline a distinguished legacy that continues in 2026.
    Jack Leo, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Noel Brewer is the Gillings distinguished professor in public health at the University of North Carolina.
    Noel T. Brewer, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Many members of his circle were fellow-aristocrats, some of them kindred spirits of Coudenhove-Kalergi.
    Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • On Tuesday, September 3, there was a welcome dinner on the terrace of the Boutique Hotel Oasis, a luxury getaway built inside the former villa of an aristocrat along a stretch of private beach.
    Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Thailand’s high rate of gun ownership is second only to Pakistan in Asia, and far surpasses its Southeast Asian neighbors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The state is announcing an average increase of almost 30% for those already paying the highest rates.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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