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noun

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
When the noble Federation craft receives a ripple of subspace transmissions emanating from a world circling a violent flare star, Lt. Spock and Commander Una Chin-Riley head up an official landing party to go investigate. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Len Elmore and Tom McMillen’s call for a Maryland alum was noble, but there was no equivalent to Gary Williams walking through that door. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
In one, the Boston commoners Barney and Ann Smith might as well be English nobles for all the red drapery surrounding them. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 On the battlefield, the nobles’ cavalry and superior artillery brutally cut down the rebels. Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for noble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for noble
Adjective
  • In reality, McArthur was a bull-rider from Clinton and a far cry from the aristocratic type others had pegged him for, Lyons said.
    Tony Holt, Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The largely middle-class Liberals replaced Britain's aristocratic Whigs in the 19th century only to be supplanted themselves by the working-class Labor Party in the 20th century.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But at first, the seizures were a source of great anxiety for our whole family.
    Grace Bastidas, Parents, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, the Canadians are doing less, which forces the U.S. to take on a greater share of the responsibility.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, Greg/Gary is an honorable guy who would never bankrupt Belinda to teach her a lesson about greed and blackmail.
    Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Some Union soldiers attended the event, and two Union officers delivered orations, each focusing on the topic of reconciliation between the honorable foes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their odd-couple pairing became a magnificent slow burn of hatred into grudging respect into genuine affection, making for a tantalizing will-they-won't-they.
    Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • These are magnificent achievements that propel Hellebuyck beyond back-to-back Vezina Trophy consideration and into Hart territory while proving that Connor and Scheifele can score while playing better defence than earlier in their careers.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Visitors will find more than arcadian Constable landscapes and genteel Gainsborough portraits of aristocrats.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Dividend aristocrats are companies that have raised their dividends in each of the past 25 years.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Shearing emphasized that there are no true winners in a tariff war, as higher prices harm consumers and disrupt global supply chains.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • From the foyer, an ethanol fireplace encased in slabs of polished stone anchors a lounge beneath ceilings over 10 feet high.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Noble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/noble. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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