courage

Synonym Chooser

How is the word courage distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of courage are mettle, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When might mettle be a better fit than courage?

In some situations, the words mettle and courage are roughly equivalent. However, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is it sensible to use resolution instead of courage?

Although the words resolution and courage have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

In what contexts can spirit take the place of courage?

While in some cases nearly identical to courage, 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 as synonyms of courage?

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 courage For not the first time, Chicago taxpayers will look to neophyte school board members to show courage in the face of unseemly power politics. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 What struck me wasn’t her quiet courage—but the revelation that only men are permitted in the outer circle surrounding the Pope’s casket. Angela S. Mattie, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2025 Sometimes duty and courage are the price of leadership. Mark Ellis, New York Daily News, 5 May 2025 His leadership showed compassion, political courage, and moral clarity … qualities our leaders could use today more than ever. CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage
Noun
  • The hazardous lives of urban birds: Ian Frazier on the bravery of pigeons living outside the law.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
  • Mixed in with small pleasures and petty disputes with her older sister are true feats of survival and bravery.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • In Spanish, my grandmother read tales from Las Mil y Una Noches—in English, The Thousand and One Nights—bringing the world beyond Leigh Street, Scheherazade's magical world of Central Asian pluck, heroism and ingenuity, into the life of my mother and her siblings.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • The song is about the dream of hope, heroism and finding beauty in utter darkness.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • Prince William is stepping out with King Charles and Queen Camilla to recognize recipients of the U.K.'s highest honors for gallantry.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • Foster a Climate That Is Inclusive, Not Exclusive There is a back story to Crazy Horse's battlefield gallantry.
    Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Listen to this article While Universal is known for crafting compelling movies that transport people to faraway worlds, the company has also developed its prowess in making those come to life through its captivating theme parks.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
  • The company leaned into its background and prowess as a tech company.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Two years later — after moving out of the house and into the garage — Ellie is working up the nerve to tackle her issue with Joel head-on.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • Inflammation makes the corneal nerves more sensitive in people with dry eyes.
    Sarah Hudgens, Health, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courage. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on courage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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