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

Associated Press all-American honorable mention Katie Benzan also returns after leading the nation in three-point shooting at 50 percent.

From Washington Post

Misinformation about the Civil War’s causes, and interpretations of facts that recast the Confederacy as honorable, remained a part of some school books near the end of the 20th century.

From Time

In all but the rarest moments of national unity, honorable compromise is what makes liberal democracy possible.

From Washington Post

In India, Modi has ensured it is the media outlets—with a few honorable exceptions—that seek the government’s approval.

From Time

Four individuals, all honorable men, claimed to have placed coins on the deceased Lincoln’s eyes.

From Time

In a way, this is worse than the racism of white supremacists, since this is thought to be an honorable attitude.

From The Daily Beast

She did what she could and had, as far as I know, an honorable career.

From The Daily Beast

In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free—honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve.

From The Daily Beast

Or this: the right-hand side of the body is more honorable and therefore hotter than the left.

From The Daily Beast

[1] Bone was an Indianan, and had a long and honorable career in journalism, stretching from 1881 to 1918.

From The Daily Beast

At Buffalo, where this fountain was exhibited, it received honorable mention.

From Project Gutenberg

It still, I am glad to hear, runs an honorable and profitable course, which its merits well deserve.

From Project Gutenberg

And of that she was equally sure, for how could he do any man or any woman wrong, this sincere and honorable Christian gentleman?

From Project Gutenberg

For at least ten years previous to 1901, San Francisco had enjoyed a period of not only decent but honorable government.

From Project Gutenberg

Against the Stamp Act, honorable members were reminded, there was a special objection to be urged.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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