Synonyms of determination

determination

noun

di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

as in decision

firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose

the determination with which the pioneers settled the land despite many hardships and setbacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decision
• decisiveness
• resolve
• persistence
• persistency
• resoluteness
• resolution
• readiness
• purposefulness
• certainty
• confidence
• firmness
• decidedness
• granite
• determinedness
• perseverance
• tenacity
• stick-to-itiveness
• gameness
• stubbornness
• doggedness
• tenaciousness
• obstinacy
• eagerness
• certitude
• obduracy
• grit
• fortitude
• sureness
• alacrity
• obstinateness
• iron
• backbone
• obdurateness
• sand
• pluck

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hesitation
• indecision
• vacillation
• uncertainty
• doubt
• irresolution
• indecisiveness
• reluctance
• unwillingness
• irresoluteness
• indetermination
• incertitude
• disinclination
• aversion
• indisposition

2

as in opinion

a position arrived at after consideration

a determination by the judge regarding an appropriate sentence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decision
• opinion
• verdict
• conclusion
• judgment
• resolution
• diagnosis
• award
• view
• call
• ruling
• finding
• deliverance
• choice
• mandate
• instruction
• decree
• order
• adjudication
• disposition
• conviction
• sentence
• selection
• belief
• consensus
• directive
• dictate
• option
• word
• edict
• charge
• behest
• commandment
• last word
• mind
• feeling
• say-so
• sentiment
• persuasion
• notion
• doom
• eye

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tie
• draw
• halt
• deadlock
• stalemate
• standoff

3

as in deduction

an opinion arrived at through a process of reasoning

his determination of the truth of the matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deduction
• inference
• conclusion
• decision
• consequence
• assumption
• induction
• verdict
• diagnosis
• resolution
• ruling
• eduction
• judgment
• guess
• sequitur
• conjecture
• presumption
• deliverance
• surmise
• supposition

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of determination

Rather than be daunted by scale or fear of the unknown, determination—destiny, even—prod the poet-philosopher up this craggy citadel to glory. — A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026

Directed by Academy Award nominee Todd Field, the cinematic campaign centers on quiet determination rather than luck, a message Bailey says resonated with him immediately. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Chris Roland-Wallace One of Roland-Wallace’s defining traits, which took him from California high school football to the NFL, is his determination. — Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Soul Surfer explores Bethany’s recovery from the devastating attack and her determination to relearn how to surf with one arm. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026