IGNOBLE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ignoble' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignoble are abject , mean , and sordid . While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit. // an ignoble scramble after material possessions

Q: When would 'abject' be a good substitute for 'ignoble'?

In some situations, the words abject and ignoble are roughly equivalent. However, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility. // abject poverty

Q: When could 'mean' be used to replace 'ignoble'?

The words mean and ignoble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity. // mean and petty satire

Q: When can 'sordid' be used instead of 'ignoble'?

The meanings of sordid and ignoble largely overlap; however, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness. // a sordid story of murder and revenge

ignoble

adjective

ig-ˈnō-bəl

Definition of ignoble

as in low

belonging to the class of people of low social or economic rank an ignoble child who would one day grow up to be a prince among playwrights

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency such an ignoble act is completely unworthy of a military officer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective ignoble differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ignoble are abject, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When would abject be a good substitute for ignoble?

In some situations, the words abject and ignoble are roughly equivalent. However, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When could mean be used to replace ignoble?

The words mean and ignoble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When can sordid be used instead of ignoble?

The meanings of sordid and ignoble largely overlap; however, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

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 ignoble The most memorable, and notorious, moment from the race was the ignoble exit of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell. — Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 27 May 2026 That ignoble mini-streak ends this year. — Glen Weldon, NPR, 14 May 2026 Here, however, Makowsky examines a purely ignoble figure who feels entitled without accomplishing a thing. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025 This is an ignoble plan that cites dubious science while elevating the entertainment of a handful of hunters over the revulsion of most Floridians. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignoble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignoble

Adjective

Structural inflation, fueled by government deficits, AI investments, low unemployment rates, growing trade barriers and energy disruptions, is reshaping the landscape for markets, according to Fidelity International.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
The low-molecular-weight collagen seeps into your skin as an in-office treatment would, reducing the size of pores and lifting saggy, crepey skin.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of low

Adjective

Linen and cotton, cooling garments, were too plebeian; the people posed nobly for street-style social-media accounts in leather jackets and low-slung jorts.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
This one is about a regular old guy, a hedge knight in the plebeian population of Westeros, just trying to get by in a world that isn't kind to the common and poor.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Jan. 2026

Definition of plebeian

Adjective

The dogs, according to the charges, had dirty water and their fur was stained with urine and feces.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Fourth, the handle needed to be patterned for a secure grip even in dirty, wet conditions, so checkering or deep ribbing was added to the alloy metal.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of dirty

Adjective

In a statement posted on social media, Obama highlighted Parton’s humble roots, colossal impact in music and Hollywood, and her philanthropic work.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
In her songs, stage banter and interviews, Parton always presented herself as a humble, yet audacious mountain dreamer made good.

— Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of humble

Adjective

Minneola City Councilman David Yeager’s efforts to annex his new home into the city earlier this summer sparked a nasty debate on the council that led to two members being censured last week for incivility.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Working with a nasty four-pitch mix, Bradley struck out six over four innings before achieving the feat in the fifth.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of nasty

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“Ignoble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignoble. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignoble

adjective

Synonym Chooser

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Browse Nearby Words

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