honorable

[ on-er-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. in accordance with or characterized by principles of honor; upright:

   They were all honorable men.

   Synonyms: just, noble, honest

   Antonyms: ignoble

2. of high rank, dignity, or distinction; noble, illustrious, or distinguished.
3. worthy of honor and high respect; estimable; creditable.
4. bringing honor or credit; consistent with honor.
5. (initial capital letter)
   1. (used as a title of respect for certain ranking government officials.)
   2. British. (used as a title of courtesy for children of peers ranking below a marquis.) : Hon.

Other Words From

• honor·a·ble·ness noun
• honor·a·bly adverb
• quasi-honor·a·ble adjective
• quasi-honor·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of honorable¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English hono(u)rable, from Anglo-French, from Latin honōrābilis; equivalent to honor + -able

Example Sentences

Until then, identifying as any one of those sexual persuasions was illegal and punishable by expulsion from the service with a less than honorable discharge.

From Salon

Last month, the Pentagon automatically granted honorable discharges to 800 of the estimated 13,000 veterans who had been pushed out of the military during the 1994-2011 “don’t ask, don’t tell” era with less than fully honorable discharges.

From Los Angeles Times

“Honorable,” “general under honorable conditions,” “other than honorable” and “dishonorable” are the most common.

From Los Angeles Times

Since World War II, 2.36 million veterans have been issued a less-than-fully honorable discharge.

From Los Angeles Times

Although only about 10% of marines and airmen get other than honorable discharges, about 20% of Army soldiers do.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conscientious
• distinguished
• ethical
• honest
• illustrious
• law-abiding
• noble
• principled
• reliable
• respectable
• righteous
• sincere
• straightforward
• trustworthy
• virtuous