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

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

Their entire life together was marked by high aspiration and noble effort. —

Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024 Part of its role was to rehabilitate drug addicts using a naval regimen—a noble yet undignified service for a generation-defining yacht. —

Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2025

Noun

The game is set in a historical version of our own world where wizard chantries angle for power and influence with nobles and members of the Church. —

Rob Wieland, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 With the crisp transatlantic accent of a minor noble and the piercing blue eyes of a long-haired dachshund, Dan Stevens could have coasted through his acting career as so many London boys have before, playing foppish love interests or sneaky villains unmasked in the third act. —

Hannah Strong, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for noble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble

Adjective

Their attire and posture radiated an iconic, aristocratic style, exemplified by Vance's wife, who stood elegantly in her rose-pitch dress coat.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
Despite the name, Palace hotels aren’t always centuries-old aristocratic mansions, and many feel thoroughly modern.

— Mary Winston Nicklin, AFAR Media, 15 Jan. 2025