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 Ventura’s case is a reminder of how rarely these stories reach a satisfying resolution. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 That said, in the more demanding runs of Cyberpunk 2077, where the resolution was higher, and features like ray tracing were cranked up, the Mac Studio still came out on top. Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026 Successful habeas petitions do not necessarily lead to quick resolutions. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026 The council urged Pyongyang to immediately cease missile activity, warning the test directly violated UN Security Council resolutions. CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • The repeal’s effect on power companies’ present-day decisions – which plants to continue to operate, what to build and with what pollution controls built in – affects the electricity prices consumers pay now and over the coming decades.
    Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Her home isn’t in the highway’s path, but she was still baffled by council’s decision.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ukraine has ramped up its attacks on Russian oil facilities and logistics hubs in recent months, seeking to raise the cost of the war for Russia and test Putin's resolve to continue the conflict.
    Sam Meredith,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The blasts just across the Danube are a reminder of how close war is to NATO territory — at a time many fear Russian President Vladimir Putin might want to test the alliance’s resolve.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Those admissions would not, by themselves, invalidate the verdict.
    Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • After the verdict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for Azaria to be pardoned.
    Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Fourth, the law needs to give homeowners enough time to challenge incorrect determinations.
    Michael Wolfe, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Capricorn Moon squares Mercury in your sign, making family expectations, tradition, or someone else’s opinion feel louder than usual.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Jurors must be able to deliberate candidly without fearing that every argument, compromise or expressed opinion will later become evidence in litigation.
    Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The window to capitalize on these moves is narrow, demanding precision and decisiveness.
    David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Cousins’ decisiveness and awareness are key traits Las Vegas wants Mendoza to observe and learn to emulate.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The banquet room of an Elgin restaurant resonated with those words at the conclusion of a rousing tune featuring four-part barbershop harmony.
    Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Two people can examine the same evidence and reach different conclusions.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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