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 Word Forms

• honorableness noun
• honorably adverb
• quasi-honorable adjective
• quasi-honorably 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

To escape him, the singer dropped out of high school and joined the Air Force, then faked a mental breakdown and won an honorable discharge.

From Los Angeles Times

After transferring to Oklahoma, he posted his best college season as a sophomore, making 47 tackles and forcing three fumbles to become an honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference selection.

From Los Angeles Times

Hank is proudly set in his ways, but also profoundly honorable, a decent man perpetually out of step with the times.

From Salon

I’d received my honorable discharge from the Army in the middle of 1968, and I was overjoyed — I mean, absolutely euphoric.

From Los Angeles Times

A US defence official said that "characterization of service will be honorable except where the Service member's record otherwise warrants a lower characterization".

From BBC

Related Words

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