Definition of resolutenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolute distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of resolute are constant, faithful, loyal, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use constant instead of resolute?

The meanings of constant and resolute largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

Where would faithful be a reasonable alternative to resolute?

While the synonyms faithful and resolute are close in meaning, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When can loyal be used instead of resolute?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolute, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When could staunch be used to replace resolute?

In some situations, the words staunch and resolute are roughly equivalent. However, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

When might steadfast be a better fit than resolute?

The words steadfast and resolute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

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 resolute So far this season, Arsenal have appeared resolute in their bid to last the distance. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Baking director Peter Edris is a 27-year baker who leads the kitchen in a calm but resolute manner. Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026 The resolute tango between the personal and the practical is a hallmark of a cookbook humdinger. Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 5 Mar. 2026 In welcoming the group during a swearing-in ceremony, Fils-Aimé made an impassioned appeal for civic engagement in Haiti and insisted on the need for his new cabinet to take resolute action. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • Authorities said the boy struck him while riding what was initially reported as an e-bike but was later determined to be an off-highway motorcycle — a vehicle not permitted on public roadways in California.
    Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
  • One of the five was an MIT professor killed at his doorstep by a former Portuguese classmate who was later determined to be the Brown University mass shooter.
    Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike the director Tyler Perry, whose devotion to telling Black stories inspired him to build a parallel version of Hollywood in Atlanta, Fuqua has always been intent on succeeding within Hollywood itself.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • While its work was written, produced and performed largely by young Blacks from Detroit’s inner city, Gordy and Motown were intent on creating music for everyone, taking the earthy sounds of post-doo-wop R&B, giving them a melodic, commercial-friendly sheen and marketing them to the masses.
    Brian McCollum, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Enforcement must be swift and decisive in removing fraudulent operators.
    Tom Koutsoumpas, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The same official also indicated that Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is not necessarily the decisive factor in these discussions, but Nabih Berri, speaker of the nation's House, is the one with true authority, not Aoun.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To wriggle out of Joseph’s grasp, Michael hires a brash young lawyer, John Branca, played by Miles Teller, who lends the coolly confident character a delightfully rough edge.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Owners should also be confident in their long-term plans for the property.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The defeat was a significant body blow to Arsenal’s aspirations, but City’s 1-0 victory over Burnley can strangely be viewed in a positive light for them.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Harbaugh seemed tense during his Friday press conference sitting next to GM Joe Schoen as the second round of the draft rolled on compared to a much more positive Thursday interview after the first round.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That may require a firmer definition of what Schmigadoon!
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Campus sale The college’s 60-acre campus, including its 22 buildings, is now listed for sale by commercial real estate firm CBRE.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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