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Synonyms

high-minded

American  
[hahy-mahyn-did] / ˈhaɪˈmaɪn dɪd /

adjective

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

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

high-minded British  

adjective

  1. having or characterized by high moral principles

  2. archaic arrogant; haughty

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See noble.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of high-minded

First recorded in 1495–1505

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.

That dynamic may partly account for why other high-minded millennial businesses haven’t fared well.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

He was a high-minded historian and literary critic who nevertheless loved writing about rugby and cricket.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

It was once the job of “sleazy” tabloids to destroy lives with lurid gossip that titillated the public but lacked public interest in the high-minded sense.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

I want to be very high-minded about this.

From Slate • Nov. 4, 2025

And the truth is that I am not a particularly high-minded character in my formative years.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

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