ennoble

verb

en·​no·​ble i-ˈnō-bəl How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
e-ˈnō-
ennobled; ennobling i-ˈnō-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
e-ˈnō-
Synonyms of ennoble

transitive verb

1
: to make noble : elevate
seemed ennobled by suffering
2
: to raise to the rank of nobility
ennoblement
i-ˈnō-bəl-mənt How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
e-ˈnō-
noun

Synonyms of ennoble

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Examples of ennoble in a Sentence

a life ennobled by suffering Her skill and talent ennoble her profession. He was ennobled by the queen.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alexandre Desplat’s score, meanwhile, toggles awkwardly between a pale imitation of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ melancholic lo-fi electronica in the previous film, and the ennobling orchestral themes that mark the filmmaker’s happier place. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Jordan, to whom scorn comes more naturally than grace, accuses him of envying the rest of the troupe’s ennobling misery. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 But there is no doubt in my mind that the musical ennobles the previously more limited material, which is not often the case when Hollywood movies are scored and sung. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Mary Kay could have no doubt that selling was an ennobling endeavor, since God Himself seemed to be endorsing it. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ennoble

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ennobelen, from Middle French ennoblir, from Old French, from en- + noble noble

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ennoble was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ennoble

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Browse Nearby Words

Enniskillen
ennoble
ennoblement
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Cite this Entry

“Ennoble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ennoble. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ennoble

verb
en·​no·​ble in-ˈō-bəl How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
ennobled; ennobling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
1
: to make noble : elevate
seemed ennobled by his hardship
2
: to raise to the rank of nobility
ennoblement
-bəl-mənt How to pronounce ennoble (audio)
noun
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