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
Honoring the sacrifices of America’s military men and women is noble, but there are better ways to thank them for their service than a bland tribute like this. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026 His wife, Galina, a noble beauty, excels at the role of the plumed bird in a cage and yet suffers for it, fumbling around awkwardly for an escape. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
In true Renaissance fashion, the two were surrounded by their yeomen, personal bodyguards to the nobles. — Rashad Alexander august 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 The country’s nobles eventually surrendered in exchange for being allowed to keep their lands (some of them may have done so with their fingers crossed). — ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • While the rooms really do vary in vibe, the entire property exudes an eccentric, aristocratic estate feel—think, the movie Saltburn, for those who’ve seen it—that’s impossible not to fall in love with.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Whereas widowed Lord Balfour (Charles Esten) fully expects to carry his homeland’s aristocratic traditions abroad, complete with an apparent Black slave for his hoity-toity young daughter.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin's one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin’s one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Younger and middle-aged elites are also less inclined to put up with the careers and sacrifices the state has historically presented as honorable.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Drawing district lines to effectively disenfranchise voters and ensure a seat in Congress for some partisan hack was a dark-of-night sort of thing that the public hated, not an honorable practice for upstanding citizens.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • These seven players might not be magnificent, but make the most sense to keep.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
  • For Trump to accomplish one would be a magnificent achievement.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Server was wonderful and attentive and the manager came around to check on things.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026
  • There’s a wonderful connection between this film and the festival.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • As previously reported, Cezary Skubiszewski was feted with the distinguished services to the Australian screen award, in recognition of his impressive body of work spanning more than 30 years.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Dan Lipinski is a former Democratic congressman from Illinois and a distinguished visiting fellow for the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions at the Hoover Institution.
    — Dan Lipinski, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Founded in 1440, the prestigious institution is one of the most famous and selective schools in the United Kingdom, attended over the centuries by prime ministers, aristocrats, and future monarchs.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Jiang stars as Countess Isolde Dragomir, a centuries-old vampire aristocrat at the center of London’s most exclusive social circles.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The high-scoring, deep-shooting affair continued seconds into the second half with Egor Denim beginning the third with another trey to give the Nets a 20-point lead.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Jacob Cofie contributed 13 points, matched his career high with rebounds and dished out six assists and KJ Lewis scored 16 for USC (3-0), which dominated on the boards 53-36.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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