courageous

1 of 2

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or characterized by courage : brave

a courageous soldier

a courageous decision

courageously adverb

courageousness noun

courageousness

2 of 2

noun

cou·​ra·​geous·​ness

kə-ˈrā-jəs-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being courageous

Synonyms of courageous

Adjective

• brave
• fearless
• valiant
• heroic
• gallant
• bold

Examples of courageous in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Level 5 of sustaining character across context and under stress is not reached by resolving to be more humble, or more courageous. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

And what was the courageous act of the Indiana Fever guard, who turns 30 this month? — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

The sun in Leo is expressive, vivacious and deeply courageous. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Only one, Andy Jassy, was courageous and smart enough to do it. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for courageous

• advantageous
• contagious
• outrageous
• disadvantageous

Kids Definition

courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or marked by courage : brave

courageously adverb

courageousness noun