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

He was shot twice during that conflict, was honorably discharged, and received a Purple Heart for his bravery. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

For his bravery in battle, he was given the Medal of Honor, the US military’s highest award for valor. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025

Likewise, none of the above means that Machado — for all her bravery and legitimacy — has not made some mistakes. —Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025

Audiences will also appreciate that a diverse cast of actors handle themes like courage and bravery, finding one’s purpose and fate, and forming true friendships. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Dec. 2025

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