Synonyms of courage

courage

noun

ˈkər-ij 

as in bravery

strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger

the moral courage to speak out against injustice when no one else will

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bravery
• heroism
• gallantry
• courageousness
• prowess
• nerve
• valor
• daring
• fearlessness
• intrepidity
• guts
• hardihood
• virtue
• heart
• stoutness
• gutsiness
• fortitude
• daringness
• intrepidness
• dauntlessness
• gumption
• determination
• stamina
• moxie
• pecker
• perseverance
• bottle
• grit
• tenacity
• mettle
• spunk
• intestinal fortitude
• endurance
• greatheartedness
• backbone
• pluck
• temper
• doughtiness
• boldness
• resolution
• audacity
• fiber
• pluckiness
• temerity
• gall
• effrontery
• stomach
• cojones
• brazenness
• cheek

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cowardice
• timidity
• cowardliness
• spinelessness
• fearfulness
• weakness
• softness
• faintheartedness
• timorousness
• cold feet
• feebleness
• cravenness
• impotence
• hesitation
• poltroonery
• dastardliness
• indecision
• irresolution
• ineffectualness
• mousiness
• indecisiveness

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

Recent Examples of courage

And yet, amid unimaginable evil, America witnessed extraordinary courage. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 Sep. 2026

Its style is terse, cool, and detached, presenting warfare as primarily a problem of calculation rather than brute force or individual courage. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

My brother defined courage, my father dedication, and my uncle service. — Michele Miller, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

The former national security adviser also stressed the courage of survivors. — Kaanita Iyer, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026