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 That resolution agreement extended to topics unrelated to the antisemitism claims negotiations were purported to address, and sparked renewed, but much smaller protests, near campus at the start of this school year against government overreach and threats to academic freedom. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026 Showing a low-resolution version of the map. Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026 The resolution also said the district does not keep records of a student’s immigration status. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Stanford University and the family of a star soccer player who died by suicide in 2022 have reached a resolution in a wrongful death lawsuit, according to a joint statement released Monday by the university and family. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Grunander denied that his daughter’s presence at the shooting motivated the decision to seek the death penalty for Robinson, adding that the topic did not come up when prosecutors discussed whether to seek the death penalty.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
  • That led to Charles’ extraordinary decision to strip Andrew of his royal titles and evict him from the royal estate in Windsor – the British monarch’s most dramatic attempt to quell the scandal over the disgraced former prince’s links to Epstein.
    Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Her third album, Vacancy, documents this sense of resolve.
    Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
  • What Lee did not anticipate was the iron resolve, the ferocious tenacity, of the Union defenders.
    Jamelle Bouie, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The ruling against Kim was made about three weeks before the court delivers its verdict on a rebellion charge against Yoon.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
  • On the fourth day of deliberations on June 18, the jury finally reached a verdict and acquitted her of the murder charges.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • As the bond between man and wild animal grows, so, too, does Nikola’s determination to return to a way of life that is in balance with nature.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
  • All three family members were rescued after roughly 10 hours adrift, their survival credited to the teenager’s courage and determination.
    Rod McGuirk, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But in the opinions of the two lead detectives on the case, to comment on every single one, to give credence publicly to even the most dubious messages, as Captain Donahoe was doing, only made the department look like a bunch of saps.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Your quirks, your opinions, your specific way of seeing the world, that's your competitive advantage.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Quiet leaders know when restraint will serve the moment and when decisiveness is necessary.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • While Minshew could return, Reid could consider Marcus Mariota, who started eight games for the Washington Commanders in 2025 and has the mobility and decisiveness Reid likes in a quarterback.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Banfield's at-times tense testimony comes after his attorney scrutinized the county's investigation into the defendant, arguing that officials, almost since the beginning, forced a theory that the husband had catfished and killed his wife, and ignored evidence that undermined that conclusion.
    OLIVIA DIAZ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Shortly after the conclusion of the Uplift tour, Slovak, who had struggled with addiction, died of a heroin overdose on June 25, 1988.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

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