bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrā-və-rē 

ˈbrāv-

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : the quality or state of being brave : courage

showing bravery under fire

2

a

: fine clothes

wearing their Sunday bravery

b

: showy display

… the streets strewed with flowers and full of pageantry, banners, and bravery.

—John Evelyn

Synonyms of bravery

• attire
• finery
• costume
• best bib and tucker
• best
• gaiety
• regalia
• full dress
• glad rags
• frippery
• apparel

Examples of bravery in a Sentence

He received a medal for bravery.

children in their Sunday bravery

Recent Examples on the Web

City leaders commended the bravery of the emergency personnel who performed the search during large surf, powerful currents and limited underwater visibility. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Holocaust Survivor Day, which was established in 2021, is now celebrated internationally on June 4 to honor the bravery of survivors and to share their stories. —Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026

Andrew Johns, one of rugby league's greatest players, said the bravery Evans had shown would be encouraging for other people. —ABC News, 8 June 2026

Her bravery not only secured this conviction but has undoubtedly made her campus and our city safer. —Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 7 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French braverie "bravado, challenge, audacity," from braver "to challenge, flout, brave entry 2" + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bravery

• knavery
• savory
• slavery
• antislavery
• proslavery
• unsavory

Kids Definition

bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē 

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of being brave : fearlessness

2

a

: fine clothes

b

: impressive or showy display