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 Wisconsin lawmakers debated a resolution to honor assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025 The resolution encourages schools, civic groups, and individuals to mark the occasion with activities that reflect Kirk’s values, including faith, liberty, and civic engagement. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 In 2023, Blau even went through a year of mediation with Arte Cafe through the city’s MEND Program — a free program in conflict resolution — but Malta never showed up, instead sending managers in his place. Clio Chang, Curbed, 14 Oct. 2025 In November, the city will bring forward a resolution in celebration of Sikh history month. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Third, standardize decision-grade data and impact frameworks.
    Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Filosa said the investment decisions were a result of discussions with the company’s new leadership team as well as stakeholders such as the company’s franchised dealer network.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Yet the songs, situated in the melange of Black music, cohered through D’Angelo’s resolve.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025
  • These bouts of illness forced him into hours of quiet isolation but also sharpened his resolve and planted a deep seed of empathy.
    Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Nolan Norris went down after he was tugged on the shoulder by Ali Maamar, and although the North African side requested a review and the challenge looked soft, the referee stuck with his verdict, and Campbell squeezed the spot-kick into the corner past the outstretched arm of Yanis Benchaouch.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • After more than two days of deliberation, the foreperson read the verdict, starting with the charges of special-circumstances murder/robbery.
    Joe Garcia, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This finding suggests that individuals who aren’t naturally gifted often compensate by working harder and with greater determination—and their effort pays off.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • We are united in our determination to dismantle extremism and radicalization in all its forms.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The opinion is also one of which the new Victoria’s Secret creative director, Adam Selman, disagrees with.
    Essence, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The move divided opinion in Kenya but underscored Odinga's enduring role as a political power broker.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Speed, decisiveness, intensity—these traits have become shorthand for executive effectiveness in today’s business culture.
    Rahul Bhandari, Harvard Business Review, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Still, the decisiveness with which Nix delivered the ball, trusting both the protection in front of him and what his eyes were seeing with the defense, was encouraging.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Informed conclusion here — Whitworth and Fitzpatrick are going to dunk each other in a vat of Skyline Chili, then scream until the cameras cut out.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That tour starts barely two weeks after the conclusion of Sublime’s extended summer and fall tour, which concludes Saturday at Mission Bayfest.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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