Definition of resolutionnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolution distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resolution are courage, mettle, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might courage be a better fit than resolution?

The words courage and resolution are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When can mettle be used instead of resolution?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolution, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is spirit a more appropriate choice than resolution?

The synonyms spirit and resolution are sometimes interchangeable, but spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

How are the words tenacity and resolution related?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

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 resolution The resolution is certainly considerably better than any current head-up display, including Mercedes’ own, which features augmented reality elements. — James Riswick, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026 Whether those depositors recover money above the guarantee will depend on the outcome of the resolution process and a possible liquidation, said Gladys Vera, the state pension fund’s finance manager. — Jorge Saenz, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026 Meanwhile, oil prices moved lower as investors grew hopeful about the prospect of a resolution to the Middle East conflict. — Hugh Leask,sean Conlon, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026 Then, in 2007, the world got behind a UN Security Council resolution sanctioning Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. — S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Educators see every day how decisions about staffing, resources, and working conditions affect students’ opportunities to learn.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Court records show the church's initial investigation into the boys' report was inconclusive, and Hamilton later said in a debate he was not involved in the decision to allow the volunteer to return.
    — Grace Hills, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Lakshmana’s resolve to follow Rama’s instructions is tested when Maricha, acting on Ravana’s orders, assumes the form of a golden deer and wanders within sight of Rama’s hermitage to catch Sita’s attention.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Because freedom of navigation was viewed as a fundamental principle of the global order, assembling large groups committed to upholding this pillar was intended to demonstrate international resolve and isolate the bad actor.
    — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Weeks declared a mistrial in July when the jury could not reach a verdict.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Bennathan said the jury must reach unanimous verdicts on each of the charges to convict Brand.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The 15-year-old Ghanaian immigrant shot to death on his way to his Bronx school recently wrote in his diary about his determination to continue his studies and find success in America.
    — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • All of those assertions, however, rested on the critical determinations made by the scientists handling the storage chapter.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The citizens of Chicago should demand that any person seeking the privilege to govern our city should demonstrate both the respect for the opinions of its residents, as well as a vision for reinvigorated methods of governing our city.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The same poll found that 45% of likely voters hadn’t heard enough about Fazio to form an opinion of him.
    — Katie Servas, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Jones flashed his decisiveness and speed on the ensuing play, gaining 14 yards on a quarterback keeper.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • While Whitman has no grocery experience and little retail experience (from her time as CEO of eBay), she was brought in by Albertsons for her turnaround chops and decisiveness.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As questions piled up, investigators reached a single, clear conclusion.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • His conclusion was that the chatbot has probably never lived a life that needed cinema.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!