high-minded

[hahy-mahyn-did]

adjective

1. having or showing high, exalted principles or feelings.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, idealistic, ethical, fair, honest, principled

high-minded

adjective

1. having or characterized by high moral principles

2. archaic,  arrogant; haughty

Other Word Forms

• high-mindedly adverb
• high-mindedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-minded¹

First recorded in 1495–1505

Synonym Study

See noble.

Example Sentences

Any other presidential decision would have been criminal: That is basic democratic morality, notwithstanding unceasing criticism from the high-minded.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It threatens to drown out their own more high-minded projects.

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It’s difficult to imagine a worse addition to this oil-and-water mix of high-minded nonconformist cranks and hard-toiling middle-class settlers than a capitalist sybarite.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Before his apparent demise, David and Juno had been heading down separate paths regarding their company — he more high-minded, she more mercenary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If the last election showed anything, it’s that high-minded principles, like standing up for democratic norms, are less important to many voters than, say, the cost of gasoline and groceries.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• honest 
• noble 
• virtuous