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

The Elk Grove police detective on the case, Tricia Barraza, told CBS Sacramento that their bravery was powerful. —Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026

The bravery and ambition are admirable, but some of those Open Division candidates might be too big and too physically advanced for the Sea Kings. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026

Their film tells the love story of poets Andrea Gibson and Meg Falley and how the couple managed to confront Gibson’s terminal cancer diagnosis with grace, bravery, and humor. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026

The people of Israel, and the entire world, stand in awe of the immense bravery of Iran's citizens. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 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