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 War-powers resolutions used to be designated for a House floor vote within 48 hours. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 25 June 2025 The resolution was sponsored by France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the U.S. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025 The resolution was the first time the IAEA had declared Iran non-compliant since September 2005. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025 However, this will depend on whatever resolution there is to the leak issue. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Toward the end of our conversation, Victor touched on a recent decision to start moving in and out of pronouns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
  • But the decision to start Rice was notable with Austin Wells hitting .150 with just one extra-base hit, a double, over his last 12 games.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Though numbers had shrunk in recent weeks, the massive showing for Saturday’s anti-Vucic rally suggested that the resolve persists, despite relentless pressure and after nearly eight months of almost daily protests.
    Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the executions appears intended less to inflame anti-Israel sentiment than to project strength internally, a source familiar with the matter told TIME, describing it as a signal of resolve by a government increasingly consumed with fears of infiltration.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The verdict will go a long way toward shaping the dynamic in 2028.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
  • After Heard filed an appeal of the verdict, the two announced separately that the case had been settled with the money paid by Heard going to charity.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Then the market for EVs started showing signs of slowing down, and the current administration’s determination to eliminate the federal tax credit for EVs started to alter the trajectory of the battery-electric vehicle uptake.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Her close call does not diminish her determination.
    Ian Pannell, ABC News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • In my opinion, being an entrepreneur is more than just launching new businesses and accomplishing objectives.
    Bharath Kumar Kakkireni, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Richie’s work on himself continues to, in my opinion, sustain all hope for humanity.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • That said, this bit felt like a very important emotional conclusion, that real change had finally been achieved between these two characters.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
  • What is a totalitarian leader other than an individualist taking that creed to its cruel conclusions, erasing the uniqueness of every other person into mere characters in a drama?
    Ed Simon June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

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