bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrā-və-rē 

ˈbrāv-

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : the quality or state of being brave : courage

showing bravery under fire

2

a

: fine clothes

wearing their Sunday bravery

b

: showy display

… the streets strewed with flowers and full of pageantry, banners, and bravery.

—John Evelyn

Synonyms of bravery

• attire
• finery
• costume
• best bib and tucker
• best
• gaiety
• regalia
• full dress
• glad rags
• frippery
• apparel

Examples of bravery in a Sentence

He received a medal for bravery.

children in their Sunday bravery

Recent Examples on the Web

The revolutionary leaders proved their character with sacrifice and bravery. — Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Without their bravery and will to stand up to England, the most powerful military force in history up to that time, and fight for their right to be free, our United States of America would be a much different place. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

In his speech after the tour, Trump weaved between his own administration’s work while returning to lessons drawn from Roosevelt’s life, recounting stories of bravery during Roosevelt’s time in the West and as president. — Jack Dura, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Stuart was a trailblazer whose legacy was built on integrity, professionalism, and bravery. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French braverie "bravado, challenge, audacity," from braver "to challenge, flout, brave entry 2" + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bravery

• knavery
• savory
• slavery
• antislavery
• proslavery
• unsavory

Kids Definition

bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē 

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of being brave : fearlessness

2

a

: fine clothes

b

: impressive or showy display