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

Her voice is striking, full of bravery and humanity. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026

At Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Professor Kate Polak’s refusal to cave in to the demands of the university leadership is an example of bravery and principle. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026

Trump can also highlight individual acts of bravery, naming protesters in interviews and speeches, and sharing videos on social media. —Behnam Ben Taleblu, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026

And she was given the keys to bravery. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 7 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