courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or characterized by courage : brave

a courageous soldier

a courageous decision

courageously adverb

courageousness noun

Synonyms of courageous

• brave
• fearless
• valiant
• heroic
• gallant
• bold

Examples of courageous in a Sentence

She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes.

the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order

Recent Examples on the Web

Pollock was not afraid of strong women and Lee Krasner was one of the most courageous, outspoken, and tenacious women any man might have chosen. — Barbara Rose, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026

In Afghanistan, courageous teachers and students are finding ways to educate girls right under the Taliban’s nose. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026

Madison has made a smart choice for her biggest role since bagging an Oscar for Anora; her character’s trajectory from Facebook believer through disillusioned outlier to courageous whistleblower is stirringly rendered. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

The far-from-basic residence showcases courageous expression. — Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corageous, borrowed from Anglo-French corajus, from corage courage + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for courageous

• advantageous
• contagious
• outrageous
• disadvantageous

Kids Definition

courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or marked by courage : brave

courageously adverb

courageousness noun