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

Applegate’s new video has been met with love and support from such celebrities as Chelsea Handler and Vanessa Marcil and especially from fellow MS survivors, who praise her bravery and resilience. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Galeo’s practical inventions and growing trust in his sister offer a different path to bravery than the one his village has taught him. — Ed Meza, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Kyrie Irving is criticizing ESPN‘s lack of bravery for not naming Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian war victim, in a social media post about Irving’s public offer to pay an NFL player’s fine for paying tribute to Rajab during a football game. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Although his kiss doesn’t break the curse in this retelling, his bravery and kindness help to unite the fairy and human kingdoms. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 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