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

• bold
• brave
• dauntless
• doughty
• fearless
• gallant
• greathearted
• gutsy
• gutty
• heroic
• heroical
• intrepid
• lionhearted
• manful
• stalwart
• stout
• stouthearted
• undauntable
• undaunted
• valiant
• valorous

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

Clark passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with ALS. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024

Venus, the planet of love, money and pleasure, is currently transiting the courageous sign of Leo, adding a flair for drama and extravagance to our relationships and spending habits. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024

This uptick in violence has burnished the Houthis’ image as the champion of the Palestinians and as a courageous opponent to the West. —Alexandra Stark, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2024

Link’s coworkers — Deputies Stephanie Early, Matt Layman and Preston Leonard — remembered him as a kind and courageous man who thoroughly enjoyed his work. —Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or marked by courage : brave

courageously adverb

courageousness noun