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 statements reported by state media on Sunday, China’s top political adviser Wang Huning echoed Beijing’s position, calling for the promotion of national reunification with Taiwan and for resolute opposition to Taiwan independence. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 16 June 2025 DeCosta is resolute about not revealing the nature of his talks with Jackson. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Coupling calmness with resolute silence can be masterful. John Baldoni, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 But as the match progressed, Djokovic – who turned 38 on Thursday – showed the kind of resolute determination which appeared to have deserted him of late, breaking Hurkacz four times in a tiebreak after each player had held serve throughout the second set. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • By morning, they were determined to find a way out.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
  • With a bout against WBA champion Fernando Daniel Martinez already confirmed for November, Rodriguez must first take care of business against a dangerous and determined Cafu.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Would Pelle Larsson remain a feisty presence intent on challenging for a rotation role?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Gale would be profoundly disappointed to see that, a century after this essay, the US government seems intent on going backwards rather than forwards.
    Deborah Williams July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The second set ultimately went all the way to a tiebreak, and after trading two mini-breaks apiece, the British pair gained a decisive two-point advantage, aided by a Pel double-fault.
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • The idea that no one was born inherently superior, that status wasn’t tied to birth but to citizenship and shared rights, was a radical break in human history and a decisive rejection of Old World European ideology.
    Jared Nordlund, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Experts are over 14 times more likely than light users to apply AI across all three phases and are twice as confident in the quality of their output.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • While there are some things for the Lions to overcome this season, Newton is confident in their ability to do so.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • If the number is negative, there are fewer jobs than in the previous month; if the number is positive, there are more jobs.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • So obviously the word of mouth is very positive both here and everywhere else.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Transportation between the center and affected areas will be provided every day until 2 p.m. Williamson County plans to open a center soon but does not yet have a firm date or location, said county spokesperson Nick Castillo.
    Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • Choose a head of cabbage that feels firm and heavy for its size.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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