as in strength
strength of spirit; ability to continue despite difficulties
He showed his mettle as a fighter tonight with a heroic comeback.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Some admired her journalistic mettle; others, including Martha at first, could not take her seriously (those tinkling bracelets).
—
Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
In this scenario, the CJNG would fracture into smaller, warring factions, producing more obscene levels of bloodshed as potential replacements try to prove their mettle.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Even in defeat, though, the Cavaliers showed some mettle in getting back into that game.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Notably, the trusses proved their mettle by supporting 4,000 pounds of pressure during testing.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mettle
Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
In this scenario, the CJNG would fracture into smaller, warring factions, producing more obscene levels of bloodshed as potential replacements try to prove their mettle.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Even in defeat, though, the Cavaliers showed some mettle in getting back into that game.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Notably, the trusses proved their mettle by supporting 4,000 pounds of pressure during testing.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mettle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettle
Noun
-
Finally, the defanging of the Iranian menace would also significantly augment the collective strength and abilities of the West with respect to China, which relies heavily on Iranian oil.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Before starting a new exercise program, Culbertson advised seeing a doctor or a physical therapist to make sure there’s nothing neurological causing your loss of grip strength.—
Danielle Zickl,
Health,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The scrutinizing and psychoanalyzing continues like Luka Doncic screaming at the refs — incessantly, and with impressive stamina.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Beats Earbuds Deal The Beats Studio Buds + earbuds are engineered for those who refuse to compromise on sound or stamina.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On Sunday, Iran continued attacks on neighbors, while Israel struck fuel depots in Tehran and threatened the Islamic Republic’s power grid.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Quiet reflection gains power as cerebral Mercury in your 12th House of Solitude trines jovial Jupiter in your comforting 4th house, guiding you through releasing past aches.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is a chance to rewrite an old memory with compassion and quiet courage.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The director, who wanted to tell an epic adventure where emotional courage was as powerful as magic, crafted this tale about identity, sisterhood and belonging, aimed at family audiences with strong crossover appeal for epic fantasy audiences, with strong female leads.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettle. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
