mettle

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mettle distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mettle are courage, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When can courage be used instead of mettle?

While the synonyms courage and mettle are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When could resolution be used to replace mettle?

The words resolution and mettle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might spirit be a better fit than mettle?

The meanings of spirit and mettle largely overlap; however, 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 do tenacity and resolution relate to one another, in the sense of mettle?

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 mettle The Texas Rangers’ 2026 schedule was released Tuesday, and the team’s road mettle will be tested early. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025 But in gaming tests, the Scar proved its mettle. Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2025 Now, Blackburn will get another chance to prove his mettle in the heat of a playoff hunt. Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 For those seeking out big adventures, zesty romps in nature that will test your mettle, look no further than Eleven’s hut-to-hut multi-day hiking journey. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mettle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettle
Noun
  • Every individual brings unique needs, preferences and strengths.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • This new gel, however, manages to combine strength, healing, and sensing capabilities in one material, which is a rare feat.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as the Long Walk.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • That was a different type of stamina to stay in that emotional truth.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, global demand for data center capacity could more than triple by 2030, requiring upgrades in power, cooling, and connectivity.
    Maurice Obeid, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ironically, the very adaptability and intellectual courage the future demands are often harder to cultivate in today’s college climate.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In an atmosphere of repression and fear, these women discover courage, solidarity, and the power of imagination through the simple transformative act of reading together.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettle. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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