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 If granted, the next step would likely be to begin litigating the case, moving toward a resolution. Margaret Shreiner, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025 The result, according to Yamaha, is a smooth and high-resolution sound with a fast response and minimal distortion. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Thanks to data with four times better resolution, scientists are now much more confident that Hawking’s theorem is correct. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025 In December 2023, the school board passed a resolution vowing to rethink school choice and prioritize neighborhood schools, nodding to their role as vital community hubs. Mila Koumpilova, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • What To Know The basis of his decision, Greenfield said, was a long-running dispute with Unilever over the company's ability to pursue social justice and activist causes that were important to the founders.
    Hugh Cameron Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • One of the most recent cases includes the high court’s 2017 decision in Matal v Tam, in which the justices ruled that a law preventing trademarks of disparaging terms was unconstitutional under the First Amendment.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Most cases of ear pressure resolve on their own, but there are times when medical attention is necessary.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But the alternative would entail that each accuser has to separately litigate their claim of abuse in the Alameda County Superior Court, a lengthy process that attorneys said could wear out their clients’ resolve.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The judge found that nine of the jurors either never knew about the text message at all or only learned about it after reaching their verdict.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Alam’s family and supporters in the courtroom let out an initial gasp at relief when the jury returned a verdict without immediate jail time.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wolf’s new deal is a testament to his determination.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Her strength of character, artistic vision, and fierce determination remain profoundly inspiring today.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The opinions expressed in this story are theirs and not those of ABC News.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Some throw pillow shapes—namely ones that can do double duty as floor cushions when the occasion rises—are just superior, in our opinion.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Letting go of the urge to justify decisions frees up time, sharpens focus and models decisiveness.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The decisiveness of Canberra’s actions is a measure of the extremity of Iran’s behavior.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The show's return comes after fans were demanding new episodes following the conclusion of Season 1.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The press, however—fearing backlash to its positive depiction of interracial romance—rewrote the conclusion without Grey’s knowledge or consent, killing off Nophaie and the offending prospect of miscegenation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!