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 Tyagi weaves it with delicacy, and the performance by Krish Rao locates the naïve courage and innocence of youth. Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 Like Pope Francis modeled, our CSJ (Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph) tradition teaches us to walk with humility, to act with courage and to build unity through love. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025 There comes a moment for every leader when the clearest sign of strength is found not in agreement, compromise, or accommodation but in the clarity and courage to firmly say no. Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Adding to the timeliness of this welter of Weill is the composer’s reputation for political courage. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage
Noun
  • Ground Zero is the story of Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier who showed rare bravery, grit and courage during his posting in Kashmir and managed to kill a major terrorist - Rana Tahir Nadeem, widely known as Ghazi Baba to the world.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With Ronald Araujo coming into Flick’s defence against Dortmund, Barcelona fans must still wince when watching the bravery that is required to play such a high line.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The goal of the project is to position women as central figures, as many ancient texts and paintings traditionally depict male heroism, while women are often relegated to mere decoration and reproductive roles.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In recognition of his heroism, Jessen was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor, by Consul General Frédéric Jung on September 18, 2023, ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Great gallantry April 5th is known as Go for Broke Day.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While state courts have increasingly dismissed climate lawsuits as meritless, superfund laws are growing in popularity as another way to gut U.S. energy prowess.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Beyond changes in personnel, another force has worked to suppress the EU’s regulatory prowess: the imperative of competitiveness.
    ANU BRADFORD, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Following a diabetic-friendly diet can help control blood glucose levels and prevent complications such as kidney, nerve, and eye damage.3 Can People With Diabetes Eat Bananas?
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Parasympathetic nerves emerge in the brain and brainstem, and sympathetic nerves arise from the spinal cord.
    Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courage. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on courage

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