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 Fender may not have had the courage to show this guitar with an input jack in the correct position, but New Atlas knows no such fear. New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025 Every decision, every policy, every classroom moment must radiate honesty, courage and moral clarity. MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Some thoughts gave courage to keep going while others depressed me. Bill Shaber, Outdoor Life, 22 Oct. 2025 One of King’s great insights was in how the Losers’ Club members needed to rediscover their childhood courage to defeat an overwhelming evil. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage
Noun
  • The seven pillars of society—wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth—aren’t just words carved into sacred walls.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Pippa’s bravery and resilience have captured plenty of attention online, as internet users have rallied to support the sweet pup.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Expressing gratitude to these kids for their acts of heroism is not enough.
    The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Earlier in Clotworthy’s career, he had been cited for heroism for service during a deadly 2018 mudslide in Montecito.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 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
  • The Fix Our Forests Act will help to unleash the conservation prowess of ranchers by limiting frivolous litigation and streamlining government processes to reduce fuel loads on the landscape at a much faster pace.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Boys participated in tournaments that tested their martial prowess, glorifying the idea of fighting on behalf of Putin.
    Tetiana Kotelnykova, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As estrogen decreases during menopause, nerves in the hypothalamus — an almond-size region deep inside the brain whose functions include helping regulate the body’s thermostat — become hyperactive and produce an overabundance of chemical signals called neurokinins.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In these conditions, the gut’s nerves and the brain’s emotion-processing circuits are in unusually close communication.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courage. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on courage

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