Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolution distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resolution are courage, mettle, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might courage be a better fit than resolution?

The words courage and resolution are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When can mettle be used instead of resolution?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolution, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is spirit a more appropriate choice than resolution?

The synonyms spirit and resolution are sometimes interchangeable, but spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

How are the words tenacity and resolution related?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of resolution In New York, officials unanimously passed a resolution this year that prohibits ICE agents from entering schools or accessing student records without a judicial warrant. Nik Popli, Time, 21 Aug. 2025 Approved in both chambers along party lines, the resolution now goes to Lee. Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025 Most recently, at the end of 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution that reaffirmed the act. Kimmy Yam, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025 The council voted unanimously to support the resolution, which will allow for the application process to move forward. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Might that have factored into his decision to pull the trigger?
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Cincinnati’s city solicitor’s office is handling the disorderly conduct case against him – a decision that some have called politically motivated and intended to appease the concerns of the Black community.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Impressed by his resolve, Charles appoints him as overseer.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Each drink is built with resolve and precision, the care evident in every sip.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Republican has repeatedly maintained the case and the verdict were political moves by James and Engoron, both Democrats.
    Jennifer Peltz, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Those charged with lese majeste can face months or even years in pre-trial detention, contending with the cramped and harsh environment of Thai prison life before even receiving a verdict.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Russia's icebreaker fleet far outstrips that of any other military, an example of the country's determination to dominate the region.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Going to the bathroom outdoors is a full-body experience, one that requires strength, balance, focus, and a dash of determination.
    Kade Krichko, Outside, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Our mission with We Are Not Numbers (the NGO) was to create a new generation of Palestinian writers and thinkers, who could harness the power of their words to nonviolently resist their oppression and influence public opinion about the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza.
    Ahmed Dader August 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Grant did not provide an opinion on what may have caused Nguyen to crash.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Many people have come to the same conclusion: YouTube is using AI to tweak videos on its platform, without creators’ knowledge.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Behind The Decision To End Foot Locker Nationals In a statement on Thursday, Foot Locker announced the conclusion of the series, which began in 1979 as the Kinney Cross Country Championships.
    Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

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