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 closest thing that comes to mind is probably Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, although this is Malick by way of Jane Campion and Michael Haneke, shifting between fleeting coming-of-age moments and scenes of resolute darkness and human cruelty. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 It was never sold in the U.S. thanks to the unwavering objections of a resolute reviewer at the FDA named Frances Oldham Kelsey. David Armstrong, CNN Money, 10 May 2025 While China has been resolute in opposing American economic pressures, imposing retaliatory tariffs of its own on American goods alongside export controls on rare earths, rhetoric between the two nations has softened in recent days. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 His impassioned speeches, sharp intellect and militant stance on Black empowerment offered a resolute counterpoint to the integrationist messages of the era. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • The president is determined to get something done here.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 20 May 2025
  • The conservative view Many conservatives are determined to repeal or at least delay and dilute most of the clean energy breaks.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • On hand are four paranormal investigators intent to solve the mysterious disappearance of a family from a manor where something otherworldly has taken place.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Congress hasn’t so much been defeated as surrendered, one majority at a time — and Trump is intent on taking all the spoils won by his predecessors’ 50-year siege.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rookies Willie MacIver and Logan Davidson drove in three of the A’s five runs, with Davidson scoring the tying run during a decisive eighth inning rally before MacIver’s RBI-single scored the go-ahead run.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 26 May 2025
  • This is not a rivalry that fans will be talking about 10 years from now, but after Priest’s decisive and somewhat surprising victory at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, both Priest and McIntyre are still strongly positioned as cornerstones of the main event picture.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sitting in the Birmingham High bleachers wearing headphones before running the 400 meters at the City Section track and field prelims, 17-year-old senior Nathan Santa Cruz looks like a teenager comfortable and confident.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • This is confident cooking that’s nuanced and purposefully understated.
    Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • This is what the SAP Business Suite offers. SAP Business Data Cloud Klein and Alam also emphasized the importance of the launch of SAP Business Data Cloud in February and its positive reception from customers and partners.
    Paul Taylor, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Roll the balls, and flash freeze on baking sheets until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
  • By the end of the conversation, and with the benefit of any prior ones, the model may have a very firm, and potentially accurate, idea of how much money the buyer is ready to spend.
    Jonathan L. Zittrain, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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