noble 1 of 2

Definition of noblenext
1
2
3
4
5
6

noble

2 of 2

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
The announcement came as the British government prepared legislation to eject Mandelson from the House of Lords and remove the noble title, Lord Mandelson, that came with his seat in the chamber. Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Stripped of the social conventions in polite society, Benedict and Sophie get to know one another on their own terms—not as maid and noble, but man and woman. Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
The Tiarè is a tropical flower from Polynesia; it was intended for the ruling class of nobles and as a symbol of purity and divine power. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025 Medieval sumptuary laws dictated who could wear what—velvet for nobles, pearls for the pious, gold for the crown. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • That quotation alludes to the many Proustian echoes in Bowen’s story set in an aristocratic Big House during the 1919-21 War of Independence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • It was restored over the course of a decade and feels elegant and aristocratic without tipping into museum territory, with several reception rooms, a billiard room, a modern kitchen, and seven en-suite bedrooms.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s also a 55% greater chance of obesity and a 40% higher probability of developing type 2 diabetes.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Punishing success is a great formula for losing the successful.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Though the art that first spoke to me was honest and honorable depictions of Black life, I have since been inspired, gutted and changed by artists from all walks of life.
    Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson called LaMalfa an honorable public servant and recounted the two working together to deliver help for wildfire victims.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Trump is in a position to add something magnificent to his legacy.
    Robert Yaro, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • For some, romance means rose petals, chilled champagne and magnificent views.
    Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Playing a thinly disguised version of himself, Reynolds is, as Schneeberger and Neibaur point out, funny, exasperating, and moving, and Rifkin’s impeccable tailoring of the role to fit his star gives Reynolds a wonderful summation with which to end his career.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Welcome to the wonderful world of better coffee.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Folks rolled into the Mercury Theater, then under the management of Michael Cullen, who conveniently owned the Irish pub next door, replete with a distinguished meatloaf.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers (13 points) The Steelers summoned the 62-year-old Pittsburgh native after his one-year sabbatical, and McCarthy will continue his distinguished coaching tour after leading the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys earlier in his career.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Hedda is the beautiful and much-admired daughter of local aristocrat.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • And the space truly was palatial—but think refined career aristocrat rather than louche despot.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And the stakes were extremely high.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Under the bill, school districts can apply for reimbursement for any high-needs student for costs beyond $30,000 per student, with a maximum reimbursement of up to $100,000 per student.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on noble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!