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

He wants us to imagine straight male American soldiers are "honorable, powerful and deadly," but also portrays them as too feeble to handle the diverse modern military.

From Salon

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Their motives were “honorable but misplaced, pressuring those two girls to the point where they really didn’t want to talk to us anymore,” Freyer said.

From Los Angeles Times

Women will be returned to their rightful place on the honorable pedestals of motherhood and wifely servitude.

From Salon

Related Words

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