NOBLE Synonyms: 418 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noble 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnō-bəl

Definition of noble next

as in aristocratic

of high birth, rank, or station despite his noble background, the prince is known for his unpretentious way with common people

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as in great

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature the factory owner had a kind, noble disposition that showed in his unstinting generosity toward the poor our country was founded on the noble ideas that are put forth in the Founding Fathers' writings

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as in honorable

following the accepted rules of moral conduct his noble behavior even as he was being unjustly attacked by his political opponents

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as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception Peter the Great's plan to build for Russia a capital city as noble as any in Europe

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as in wonderful

of the very best kind a noble racehorse

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as in distinguished

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement a noble professor known internationally for his medical research

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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

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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

Examples 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

Your steadfast support of National Review Institute (NRI) places you firmly in this noble tradition. —

Rich Lowry, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024 Read: Thanksgiving should be in October Attending a less-than-thrilling shindig, anyway, isn’t necessarily a noble sacrifice. —

Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

One Person, One Vote? sets out to change that by looking at four 2020 presidential electors, a Republican, a Democrat, a Green, and of course, a Kanye West elector, all of whose motivations range from the noble to somewhat absurd. —

Anne Easton, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 This is because, for centuries, equestrianism has been considered a hobby, sport, pastime, and passion for Royal families and nobles in European nations. —

Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 18 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for noble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble

Adjective

On another rack is a coat made with a tweed that belongs to the family estate of an aristocratic customer.

Samantha Conti, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
Gunn describes his take as less of an origin story and more of a journey, with Superman struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage and aristocratic origins with his small-town, adoptive human family.

Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024