valor

noun

val·​or ˈva-lər 

: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

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When Should You Use valor?

Valor in uniform is still rewarded by medals. Many American civic organizations award a Medal of Valor for physical courage, and the Air Force Medal of Honor displays the single word "Valor". The somewhat old-fashioned adjective valorous more often describes warriors of the past. But valiant is still in common use, though it less often describes military courage than other kinds of bravery or effort.

Synonyms of valor

• heroism
• courage
• bravery
• gallantry
• courageousness
• prowess

Examples of valor in a Sentence

The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor.

the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor

Recent Examples on the Web

Hegseth did not note that Kelly has earned valor devices on several of the medals shown in the photo which indicate that they were awarded for valor or heroism in battle. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025

Only seven Black soldiers who fought in World War II have ever been awarded the military’s highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 Nov. 2025

During deployments, Van Epps earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal with valor device, according to a copy of his resume obtained by The Tennessean. —Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 13 Nov. 2025

Most federal funding now requires celebrating American greatness, military valor, and exceptionalism. —Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valour "worth, worthiness, bravery," borrowed from Anglo-French valor, valur, inherited or borrowed from early Medieval Latin valor, from Latin val- (stem of validus "in good health, robust, having legal authority," valēre "to be well, have strength") + -or, noun suffix — more at valid, wield

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing valor

• discretion is the better part of valor

Rhymes for valor

• calor
• malheur
• pallor
• salar
• valour

Kids Definition

valor

noun

val·​or ˈval-ər 

: personal bravery in the face of danger