honorable
Americanadjective
-
in accordance with or characterized by principles of honor; upright.
They were all honorable men.
- Antonyms:
- ignoble
-
of high rank, dignity, or distinction; noble, illustrious, or distinguished.
-
worthy of honor and high respect; estimable; creditable.
-
bringing honor or credit; consistent with honor.
-
(initial capital letter)
-
(used as a title of respect for certain ranking government officials.)
-
British. (used as a title of courtesy for children of peers ranking below a marquis.) Hon.
-
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of honorable
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English hono(u)rable, from Anglo-French, from Latin honōrābilis; equivalent to honor + -able
Explanation
The word honorable has to do with people and actions that are honest, fair, and worthy of respect. An honorable person is someone who believes in truth and doing the right thing — and tries to live up to those high principles. When you lose a game, it's honorable to shake hands. If you smash into someone's parked car, it's honorable to leave a note so they can contact you. Telling the truth is honorable. This word is also used for people who are deserving of being honored, like when judges are called "The honorable Judge So-and-so."
Vocabulary lists containing honorable
An "August" Assortment: Words Worthy of Honor
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
More Positive Words to Describe a Person
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Tears of a Tiger
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite his honorable intentions, Mr. Dasgupta risks making the best the enemy of the good, and the impossible the foe of the plausible.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
She also said he had a strong sense of what was honorable conduct, and when he got “the bit between his teeth on something, he wouldn’t let something go.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
Before going to TCU, Hunter played two seasons at Oregon State where she earned All-Pac-12 Defensive Team honorable mention and All-Pac-12 Freshman team honors.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
He has represented the Kings and the NHL is very honorable way.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026
“Now, that’s shirking. It’s a lovely day, no prospect of rain, and you pride yourself on keeping promises, so be honorable, come and do your duty, and then be at peace for another six months.”
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
