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 Much of the composition is given to the trio of commissioners who, tasked with investigating charges of bias in the trial, upheld the verdict—their faces sagging and stony, their staid officiousness echoing the resolute lines of the courthouse behind them. Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 2 Oct. 2025 This time, Schumer appears resolute. Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025 The festival moderator initially attempted to shut down all questions about politics, but the journalists inside the room were resolute. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025 No Mob boss, cheerfully decreeing that an inconvenient witness be rubbed out, could be more resolute. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • The Broncos seemed determined to splatter Ragu on Mona Lisa.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Bernadette Fox, a brilliant but agoraphobic architect, mysteriously disappears, sending her 15-year-old daughter, Bee, on a determined search.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In the musical film, HUNTR/X faces their biggest threat yet in the form of the Saja Boys, a rival boy band comprised of demons intent on stealing the ladies' fanbase and feasting on their souls.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
  • At the end of 2018, Top Rank became intent on signing Tyson Fury.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But if the series pushes to a decisive seventh game, a World Series appearance on the line, Bieber will get the ball once more.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who cast the decisive fifth vote in a similar case from Alabama two years ago, reiterated his view that there should be an end point to racial remedies like this one.
    Nina Totenberg, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As a direct result of this, businesses end up with managers who aren’t confident in their ability to lead, and who struggle to deal with the various challenges that come with managing people, leading both employees and struggling managers to resign.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, Golden State was feeling so confident that their television network decided to take a playful jab at Lakers superstar LeBron James.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During his postgame news conference, Napier had a thankful message for the crowd, thanking them for making a positive impact on his players on the field.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Mansfield sit in a low block and, despite positive progression up the pitch, Luton’s players lack the courage to attempt the kind of play that will be required to break them down.
    Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike the plush option that just comes with down clusters, the mid-plush and firm densities are down cluster and feather pillows.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Last year, Staged to Sell worked on more than a hundred and thirty properties around the city; aesthetic sense is nothing without a firm grasp of logistics.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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