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 The final communiqué was resolute, with defense budgets of NATO members finally rising and continued, generous humanitarian support for Ukraine celebrated with warm, shared applause. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2026 England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi. Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026 Spielberg has been resolute in his beliefs since before Disclosure Day entered production. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026 Manilow is resolute about getting back on stage. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • Brazil is the first South American nation to host the tournament and will play in the opener on June 24 against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the 73,000 seat Maracana, which also hosted the 2014 men's World Cup final.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Mission specialists were still determined to mount a last-ditch rescue effort.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Defending the strike, Netanyahu alleged on Wednesday that Turkey — a NATO ally of the US that is one of Israel’s top regional adversaries — was intent on deploying forces there.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Fulcrum has yet to fill the ground-floor retail space there, but Koss said the firm is intent on finding tenants as unique as the brewery next-door, and the wine bar, Franquette.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Maracana is one of soccer's most iconic venues, having hosted the decisive match of the 1950 men's World Cup, with Uruguay crowned champions after beating the hosts 2-1.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Quinn Yeargain, a professor of the law of democracy at Michigan State University College of Law, said Median’s intent would be a decisive factor in determining whether any laws were broken.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • At that point, the Spanish club was confident he would soon be snapped up by one of the game’s giants for mega money, so was happy to play the long game.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • People that are not very confident don’t want to hear another voice, especially a different voice.
    Elise Devlin, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The economic outlook is also largely positive despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • According to the health department, nearly twice as many sample groups of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus this year compared to the same time last year.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Leo Chenal’s snaps are up for grabs, but nobody in this room has done enough to make a firm call on who earns them.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Kesarwani was firm in her commitment to the Hopkins Street plan.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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