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 In China, Xi elevated himself to something akin to emperor, driving an even more resolute version of authoritarianism. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Cheery and resolute Vault 33 dweller Lucy (Ella Purnell) left her underground home to find her abducted father, Hank (Kyle MacLachlan), and in doing so realized the difficulty of living by the golden rule in a world that’s defined by ruthlessness and want. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025 His vehement negation notwithstanding, the little girl stays resolute in her claims. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025 Any external force who dares to meddle in the affairs on the Taiwan Strait will face a resolute, head-on blow from China. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • She was pronounced dead at the scene, and her cause of death was later determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, the Athens-Clarke County Coroner’s Office and Morgue confirmed to PEOPLE.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Two years later, Poppy is determined to get them back on track.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • More than anything, O’Leary is intent on branding himself a champion of capitalism.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
  • The members of NewJeans had originally seemed intent on appealing the decision before ultimately deciding to open up talks of a return with Ador.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Choose decisive steps over a confusing kerfuffle!
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Tesla shareholders delivered another decisive message through their vote on Tesla’s Texas-style 3% ownership threshold for filing derivative lawsuits.
    Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people with less knowledge or skill feel overly confident.
    Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • On a crucial third-and-10 just inside field goal range, Beck was confident with his pass to Marion to get well within range.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The agreement could indicate that Apple continues to struggle with developing a competitive, in-house AI model, but the news is being viewed by Wall Street as a positive sign for the iPhone maker.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • With the judicial branch intact and an alternative to MAGA showing early signs of growth inside the Republican Party, 2026 and the years that follow offer the chance for profound and positive change.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The cease-and-desist letter, provided to the Tribune by Nicholson’s campaign, was written by a lawyer from the firm Ford & Britton, where Cook County Board Commissioner Scott Britton is a partner.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Keep in mind that firm menstrual cups are more likely to open properly after being inserted.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

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