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

Matty was a hero in World War II, served in the Pacific theater with the medals of bravery to show for it. —Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025

Dutch is a typical Schwarzenegger hero — all rippling muscle and bravery — but with a humane integrity that compels him to keep his team safe. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025

For his bravery, he was awarded the South Atlantic Medal, known as the Falklands Medal. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

Tour the city’s downtown area with Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tour to learn all about the spirits who haunt the old Canfield Casino and Hattie’s restaurant, uncover the legend of the Witch of Saratoga, and test your bravery by taking a seat in the Saratoga Springs Devil’s Chair. —Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

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