Definition of resolutionnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolution distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resolution are courage, mettle, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might courage be a better fit than resolution?

The words courage and resolution are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When can mettle be used instead of resolution?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolution, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is spirit a more appropriate choice than resolution?

The synonyms spirit and resolution are sometimes interchangeable, but spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

How are the words tenacity and resolution related?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

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 resolution Davis passed its first sanctuary city resolution in 1986 and adopted additional resolutions in 2007 and 2014. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Trump’s bullying of Iran will not have a simple resolution. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026 Another area that high-resolution modeling suggests a potential for high winds through the overnight will be north of 422 toward Lake Erie with gusts between 45 and 55mph. Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026 Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico wants to strengthen the dispute resolution system already in place under the treaty. ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Often referred to as the state’s chief fiscal officer, the state comptroller pays the state’s bills, monitors fiscal compliance, records transactions and contracts and issues reports that guide the governor and legislature on budget decisions.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • And like many of those other decisions, the cost of delay compounds.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Early hours test your resolve with emotional crosswinds.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 Early hours test your resolve with emotional crosswinds.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Those with life sentences will serve part of them in a prison and the rest in a special regime penal colony, according to the verdict.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The verdict was returned about seven hours after jurors resumed deliberations following a long weekend recess.
    Corey J. Murray, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • By Wednesday, the determination of our collective destiny will be all over, bar the shouting.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Her journey, marked by immigration, loss, motherhood and entrepreneurship during an economic recession, reflects both the challenges and determination of immigrant business owners in the United States.
    Brianna Mantaras, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That divergence of opinion hasn’t provided a national consensus for a permanent time standard.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • What’s your most unpopular workplace opinion?
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The challenge is balancing decisiveness with collaboration, and speed with thoughtful input.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Your decisiveness invites others to join you.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • However, that conclusion has been questioned by some critics.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Though the assessor’s office relies heavily on data and modeling, its conclusions, outside appeals and internal policies can drastically change values and make the office’s political tightrope shaky.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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