courageous

1 of 2

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or characterized by courage : brave

a courageous soldier

a courageous decision

courageously adverb

courageousness noun

courageousness

2 of 2

noun

cou·​ra·​geous·​ness

kə-ˈrā-jəs-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being courageous

Synonyms of courageous

Adjective

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

Examples of courageous in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Perkin described his wife as inventive and courageous in her art. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026

Nearly four decades later, as cuts to HIV prevention and treatment programs threaten to unravel years of progress, Earle’s story remains a testament to the power of courageous action. —Christina Ray Stanton, Time, 2 June 2026

The creators were determined to portray their senior characters as courageous protagonists rather than comic relief. —Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

McCain with his courageous drives, Jaylin Williams hit timely 3s. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 24 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

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