Definition of resolutenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolute distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of resolute are constant, faithful, loyal, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use constant instead of resolute?

The meanings of constant and resolute largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

Where would faithful be a reasonable alternative to resolute?

While the synonyms faithful and resolute are close in meaning, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When can loyal be used instead of resolute?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolute, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When could staunch be used to replace resolute?

In some situations, the words staunch and resolute are roughly equivalent. However, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

When might steadfast be a better fit than resolute?

The words steadfast and resolute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of resolute Forced to confront this web of lies, Kanan faced an existential crisis of self-discovery and emerged stronger and more resolute than ever. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 May 2026 And Chinese media highlighted Beijing’s resolute stance on American priorities — from trade to the Iran war — as evidence of Chinese confidence and American decline. Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 At a picket line outside Penn Station in Manhattan on Sunday, union members were resolute. Gabriella Rudy, NBC news, 17 May 2026 Images of the shelter slipped the Russian choke hold to appear on the world’s screens—intact and unbowed amid the rubble, like a temple time-transported from some more ancient siege, the faces of those within drained but resolute. James Verini, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • The pound-for-pound star walked through a determined Antonio Vargas en route to a sixth-round, one-punch KO to become a three-division champion on Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • Gene Hackman — who developed new shades of menace and gravitas with each passing year — turns in a career-best performance as the determined and obsessive Det.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Product events are instrumented at meaningful granularity, joined with firmographic and intent data and assembled into an account-level signal layer that downstream systems can act on.
    Varun Milind Kulkarni, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Alvarado and Mitchell Robinson then seemed intent on taking matters into their own hands by delivering hard, unnecessary fouls against Wembanyama within the first 14 minutes of Wednesday’s disastrous first half.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Canada has a chance to take a decisive step toward the knockouts against unfancied Qatar, with all four teams in their group level on 1 point after the Qataris earned a surprise tie with Switzerland.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • Southgate missed the decisive penalty, in 1996, in a match against Germany.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • With confident goalkeeper Raúl Rangel in net, Mexico looks to shake off opening-match nerves and beat South Korea in Guadalajara.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • So playing characters who were so ferocious and bold and confident and determined and all that helped me profoundly in my personal life.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • So out of that pain, something positive did come out of that.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Under the Biden administration, the Department of Health and Human Services amended this rule, enabling kidney and liver transplants from HIV-positive donors to take place outside of research.
    Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • But Marie stands firm that the goal of this work isn't to accuse or shame.
    Nia Dumas, NPR, 16 June 2026
  • And so far, hosts are keeping prices firm.
    Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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