Definition of resolutionnext

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 While the issue of female pastors was already among numerous nonbinding resolutions set to be discussed in Orlando, a constitutional amendment would set the denomination’s policy in stone. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 8 June 2026 In theory, a resolution of the Iran war may reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring down fuel prices, which in turn could ease bond yields and lower mortgage rates. Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 June 2026 That’s not a one-time project that will suddenly reach a final resolution once and for all, said Oyerinde. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 8 June 2026 There will also be another resolution that sets the date for removing all aboveground poles and wires. Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Voter turnout was high for a primary election, and a significant share of voters cast ballots on or after Election Day, likely because many delayed making a decision in the governor’s race.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Stephenson is not prepared to go into too much detail, but a decision on his next step has to be made.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 May 2026
  • The March train breakdown strengthened the resolve of city officials to create an alternative people-moving system as soon as possible by repurposing the tunnel, Johnston said.
    Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • In an eight-page verdict form, members of the jury broke down their decision.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Five years ago, a similar case generated one of the largest-ever verdicts in a discrimination case involving a single worker — $137 million — but Tesla got the award reduced 98% before reaching a confidential settlement.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • This World Cup, like Yamal’s sentiments, reflects FIFA’s determination to chart a new course and, as its critics charge, a disregard for the sport’s past and its millions of fans.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
  • The determination concludes a six-month investigation by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division into Davis Med’s admissions practices, which found the school guilty of violating a landmark 2023 Supreme Court decision that banned affirmative action in university admissions.
    Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Ecology remained characteristic of her approach, but Carson now broadened her aims to encompass a mobilization of public opinion equal to the task of addressing the widespread harms of chemical pesticides in everyday life and agricultural ecosystems alike.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Except where prohibited, acceptance of the Prize constitutes winner’s consent to Sponsor’s use of winner’s name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions, biographical information, hometown, and state for promotional purposes in any media without further payment of consideration.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Following his Game 1 sluggishness, Wembanyama played with more aggression and decisiveness.
    Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • But Pressure is less a war story, rapt with the hysteria of battlefield deeds, than an intense exposition on the human capacity to tolerate uncertainty at a time when decisiveness is an imperative for action.
    Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The officials spoke for roughly two hours, according to a person familiar with the matter, but no announcement has been made since the meeting’s conclusion earlier today.
    Alayna Treene, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Ultimately, the employee retired before the case's conclusion.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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