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

Stuart was a trailblazer whose legacy was built on integrity, professionalism, and bravery. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Kate Middleton was the epitome of bravery over the weekend, taking part in the grueling Three Peaks Challenge that saw her hike a total of 23 miles in 24 hours. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 June 2026

Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

Guimaraes’ bravery on the ball in tight areas can be visualised below, as 12 passes made under high pressure per 90 ranks highly among his peers throughout the European game last season. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 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