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 set to soon move to the House, where Republicans hold a narrow majority and previously rejected a similar measure. Nik Popli, Time, 8 Jan. 2026 The Senate will decide whether to advance a resolution to block further military action in Venezuela without congressional approval. Adam Beam, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026 That’s the purpose of this resolution. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 Wicker voted against Kaine’s Venezuela resolution. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • The sect is appealing that decision.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The news was not good, and now Golden State -- with about two weeks until the trade deadline -- will have decisions to make about how to handle the remainder of the season without Butler.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Trump is right to place it at the center of America’s Arctic strategy, and Washington should have the resolve to follow through.
    Paul McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Regina tightened the belt of her robe, as if to emphasize her sudden resolve.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Walmart did not immediately provide a comment about the verdict or say whether the company would appeal.
    DAN MORSE THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The verdict is expected to set the stage for upcoming rulings involving Yoon and his other associates, who also face rebellion charges.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • An unsung hero for Burlington was junior forward Leon Sekandi, who exhibited grit and determination while guarding Sarpong, who is an incredibly tough matchup at 6-foot-7.
    Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Taken together, these measures mark a decisive turning point for Ubisoft and reflect our determination to confront challenges head-on to reshape the Group for the long term.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But Jennings' liberal attitude toward the airing of his opinions, regardless of their content, almost cost him the job.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Lawmakers critical of the military action argue the rationale in the opinion is inadequate for the situation and have demanded that it be made public.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Visual clarity has become a visible marker of decisiveness.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • While Minshew could return, Reid could consider Marcus Mariota, who started eight games for the Washington Commanders in 2025 and has the mobility and decisiveness Reid likes in a quarterback.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Nine days after Marshall’s discovery — at the conclusion of the Mexican-American War — the United States had been granted this land as part of a treaty.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The prosecution and the defense called dueling bloodstain pattern analysts with differing conclusions about the crime scene.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

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