courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or characterized by courage : brave

a courageous soldier

a courageous decision

courageously adverb

courageousness noun

Synonyms

• bold
• brave
• dauntless
• doughty
• fearless
• gallant
• greathearted
• gutsy
• gutty
• heroic
• heroical
• intrepid
• lionhearted
• manful
• stalwart
• stout
• stouthearted
• undauntable
• undaunted
• valiant
• valorous

Examples of courageous in a Sentence

She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes.

the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order

Recent Examples on the Web

Obtaining feedback from employees through various mechanisms such as surveys, focus groups and facilitating courageous conversations is the catalyst to culture transformation. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Her courageous advocacy makes a lasting impact, empowering others to find their voice and take positive action. —Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Oct. 2024

Ngannou’s courageous journey to the very pinnacle of his sport is beyond inspiring. —Patrick Snell, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024

That’s why each and every courageous card in this drop, including the all-new, legendary Captain America, is dedicated to protecting the downtrodden. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corageous, borrowed from Anglo-French corajus, from corage courage + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or marked by courage : brave

courageously adverb

courageousness noun