brave 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbrāv How to pronounce brave (audio)
Definition of bravenext
1
as in courageous
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament despite considerable risk to their own safety, the brave team of rescuers rushed into the collapsed building

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wonderful
of the very best kind the gourmet food shop is off to a brave start

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

brave

2 of 2

verb

as in to confront
to oppose (something hostile or dangerous) with firmness or courage a soldier who braved enemy fire to rescue her wounded comrade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 brave
Adjective
Fellow brave souls/non-models included fellow reality star Bethenny Frankel, influencer Alix Earle and comic Tiffany Haddish. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 In the special, Elmo and his Sesame Street friends prepare for a major storm by learning how to stay ready, be brave and calm their bodies and minds when things feel scary. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
Verb
The sweltering weather heightened worries about the survivors as rescuers braved the heat. — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Each of the butterflies above me had already braved many grueling trials. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brave
  1. courageous
  2. wonderful
  3. confront
  4. fearless
  5. lovely
  6. face
  7. valiant
  8. excellent
Adjective
  • The sun in Leo is expressive, vivacious and deeply courageous.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Only one, Andy Jassy, was courageous and smart enough to do it.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • The restaurant has two Michelin stars; there's also a daytime bistro and a wonderful bar worth spending a few hours in.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Verb
  • The ladies all get on a yacht and are confronted with cardboard cutouts of them in their very first season.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • As states confront rising electricity demand and growing concerns about affordability, community solar offers one practical way to expand energy options while delivering benefits to households and local communities.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of confront
Adjective
  • And then there is a producer fearless enough to cross the minefield, knowing that on the far side waits a festival circuit slightly fatigued by war stories from Ukraine.
    — Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Since its 2006 inception, the bi-annual event—which just wrapped its Spring/Summer 2027 season this week—has earned a reputation not just for its roster of indie brands, but the fearless and personality-filled street style outside the shows.
    — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of fearless
Adjective
  • One of the loveliest times of day is in the morning when sun streams through the windows that look out onto the street.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By this lovely account, Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium’s demolition was a dignified affair.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of lovely
Verb
  • Cleaver, who has represented the district since 2005, was unopposed in the Democratic primary but faces an uphill battle in the general election after the state legislature redrew the district last year to lean Republican.
    — ABC NEWS, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Federal investigators, the Secret Service and the Sheriff’s Department are still investigating the matter, and Taele could face additional charges.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of face
Adjective
  • What would be the worst moment in a mere mortal’s career, Hoecht turned into a valiant scene.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Despite Aldis's valiant comeback, including a superplex and a King's Lynn Cloverleaf that nearly secured the win, Gunther ultimately prevailed.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of valiant
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

bravado
brave
braved
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Cite this Entry

“Brave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brave. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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