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 If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 Garland shared the duo’s resolute ethic while appearing at a Los Angeles panel alongside Mendoza (and D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, who portrays Mendoza with a convincing stoicism that arose from his inquiries into the concerted memories of the SEAL’s battle mates). Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025 On the invasion’s somber anniversary, European leaders and other Western allies descended on Kyiv to demonstrate their resolute support and pledge more money and military assistance to Ukraine. Kim Barker, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side In the big-screen adaptation of this true story, Sandra Bullock played Leigh Anne Tuohy, the resolute Southern mother who adopts teen Michael Oher. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • And if culture is the battlefield, Abdul Muhammad II is determined to win—not with force, but with wisdom.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Animal lovers have been left in stitches by a young German shepherd dog who discovered a spot of light on the floor and was determined to get to the bottom of it.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • This year’s Amazins seem intent on having a more relaxing stroll into October.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • In the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, the Herons exited in the quarterfinals to a CF Monterrey squad that has decisively been the best in Concacaf competition over the last decade-and-a-half, and seem intent on showing it would not be supplanted easily.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Today's ruling is another clear and decisive victory that will ensure the lives of countless unborn children remain protected and that South Carolina continues to lead the charge in defending the sanctity of life.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Charlotte’s victory in the series-deciding finale improved its record to 3-4 all time in its modern history (since 1994) and was the second in three season; Charlotte won the decisive third game of a best-of-three series in 2023 over Lehigh Valley.
    Richard Walker, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • And while forever seems like a big word, Duritz feels confident that the band will be with us for quite a while longer.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 9 May 2025
  • But Smith was confident that a solution could be found.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Working in Retirement: Good or Bad? For those who have taken on part-time work in retirement, the experience appears to be positive.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
  • The Celtics removed Porzingis from their injury report Saturday — a positive sign for the ailing big man — but kept him in his bench role.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Texture-wise, the Jell-O is firm, but still joyously jiggly and soft, punctuated by bites of ripe strawberries.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 May 2025
  • Taskmaster Saturn will also enter Aries on May 24, challenging your one-on-one partnerships and commitments, as you are called to take your relationships more seriously and establish firm boundaries in the process.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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