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

In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Swift celebrated the country legend’s legacy — highlighting how Parton’s resilience, kindness, and bravery have taught generations of fans and musicians. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

The size of the wave highlights the ocean’s raw power and the bravery of the surfer. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

That, compounded by plummeting hormones that cause vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, makes this moment for many midlife women a test in bravery. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Aug. 2026

The tension, the uncertainty, the hovering between bravery and cowardice captures some of what fascinated me in Muriel Rukeyser’s novel Savage Coast. — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 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