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 The party that offers clarity and courage. Marie Alvarado Gil, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025 Arsenal need to be bloody-minded and show a bit more courage and conviction than in recent meetings. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025 Being brave and clean reminds me to act with integrity and courage, while helping others at all times and staying physically strong guides my daily life. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025 Offering a sharp critique of the industry, Follows argued that the onus was on companies to exhibit greater courage, as was the case in the 1970s, which saw much braver, more diverse and interesting storytelling than what was produced in subsequent decades. Ed Meza, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage
Noun
  • Shepp announced that Veal earned the rare Girl Scout Saving Award, an accolade reserved for monumental acts of bravery; Veal, along with her mother, helped save the life of a Sand City Beach fisherman who lost his footing and collapsed, pulling him ashore.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The mass shooting and fire could have been deadlier if not for the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others, Danic said.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Reyne also praised the heroism of first responders and those inside the church at the time of the incident.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Americana, underdog heroism, and high-octane action to tell a big, fun, family story as bold as Bigfoot itself.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps, for example, someone such as Sharp might be best suited reviewing power-play shifts with a scoring winger, considering his prowess in that area of the game as a player.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Known for his attention to detail and curatorial prowess, Nahem enlisted an army of artists and craftspeople to infuse every corner of the 3,700-square-foot space with creative flair.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The volume and nature of the meows immediately struck a nerve with viewers, who recognized the sound of separation anxiety and loneliness.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This drug blocks those signals, so the nerves have a better chance to regrow.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courage. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on courage

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