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

There is more to come then, but already Yoro looks like the stabiliser in a system that demands both precision and bravery. —Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025

Taking four children to Walt Disney World is an act of bravery. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025

Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others. —Cameron Schoppa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025

For real world bravery, though, Chalk commends Andy Muschietti alongside showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane for making a bold show. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 10 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