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 That means moms showing that care and empathy are signs of courage. Reshma Saujani, Time, 19 May 2025 As constructed by former GMs Tim Connelly and Booth, the current core feels stuck together — either until somebody finds the courage to blow some big parts up or until some of those max contracts expire. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 May 2025 Recognizing the devastation of the wildfires and recent federal budgetary cuts to the arts, Mason still expresses courage, gratitude and a call to action. Amanda L. Andrei, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 The book features contributions from leading activists, artists and ordinary citizens, who tell their own stories of breathtaking courage, cultural innovations and acts of resistance. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for courage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage
Noun
  • Even in those first sessions, Nikola stood out for his incredible bravery when going up against older boys.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • That indignation, those headlines, the praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bravery and leadership cooling dramatically since those early days–in Europe and America.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 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
  • Written with filmmaker Matt Yoka, Possession marries the Band’s Americana with T. Rex’s fuzzy glam, anchored by Segall’s always-stellar guitar gallantry.
    Dan Reilly, Vulture, 20 May 2025
  • His offense: saving the damned with the melancholic gallantry of a real angel of history.
    Harmony Holiday, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
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 29 May. 2025.

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