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 Paxton, the Senate’s top leader, co-wrote a resolution last year to reject Walters’ standards. Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 9 Feb. 2026 Last month, the Kansas City, Missouri, city council passed a resolution placing a five-year ban on nonmunicipal detention facilities. Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026 Last month, congressional Republicans moved closer to lifting a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, pushing a resolution to end the moratorium through the House. Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 The system is designed to work from one image rather than requiring multiple angles, and the resulting portraits are produced in a resolution suitable for printing through Mixtiles. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Concerned about safety risks and environmental damage, the Blue Mountains City Council temporarily closed access to the rock last month while officials work on a long-term plan — a decision that has prompted debate among residents, conservationists and local businesses that depend on tourism.
    Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • In a 2014 editorial, the Times argued the federal ban on the drug should be repealed, and the decision should be left up to the individual states.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In the weeks since the arson attack, Beth Israel has been supported by neighbors and people of different backgrounds and beliefs who have stood together with compassion and resolve.
    Lindsay Baach Friedmann, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Then, came the party meeting where Starmer impressed many with his sense of resolve.
    Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As the verdict was announced, his followers unleashed a wave of fury across Punjab and Haryana.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Their convictions come more than two years after another judge issued a mixed verdict involving other members of Misick’s Progressive National Party government who were accused of similar charges in the archipelago, located about 600 miles south of Florida.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Her determination, her grit, her willingness to get her hands dirty, really shows on the screen.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The 2009 Environmental Protection Agency endangerment finding was a determination that pollutants from developing and burning fossil fuels, such as methane and carbon dioxide, can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Public opinion surveys conducted for the report show much of the world is already fearful that is happening.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Activists are using new tactics, such as micro protests, to increase participation and shift public opinion.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Your decisiveness invites others to join you.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Quiet leaders know when restraint will serve the moment and when decisiveness is necessary.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Of those, 15 have been concluded and 10 are at or near conclusion.
    STEPHEN GROVES, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Dearest gentle readers, the time has nearly come for the conclusion of Bridgerton Season 4.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

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