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 In this way, researchers can use light to turn cells on or off with remarkable precision and resolution in living, freely moving animals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026 The United Nations and the African Union have expressed concern over the rising tensions and called for a peaceful resolution. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 But researchers are developing more precise and higher resolution techniques to both study and adjust brain function. — Kimberlee D'ardenne, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 The Truman administration forwent congressional approval altogether and used United Nations Security Council resolutions to justify the intervention against Communist forces in the north, according to a White House news release from the time. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • In emergency decisions, by contrast, the president has a much stronger track record of wins.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There was angst among fans about Suamataia being held from the game, followed by blowback for questioning coach Andy Reid’s decision.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Each resolves or makes substantial progress on a major open question in mathematics or theoretical computer science, the company says.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Oct. 2026
  • They were published in a series of articles by German magazine Der Spiegel in November 2018, that gave insight into the City chairman's resolve for a legal battle.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Kang also points to the pairing of family drama with a mystery that keeps forcing audiences to rethink both the characters and their own verdicts.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, The 50 has grown to become quite the list factory, turning out influential annual verdicts on the world’s best restaurant (Maido in Lima), hotel (Rosewood Hong Kong) and vineyard (Vik in Chile’s Millahue Valley).
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That family history does bring with it a high level of determination to continue despite the losses and the constant threats of more attacks.
    — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The scale of the crackdown underscored the authorities’ determination to disrupt a fast-growing protest campaign that has mobilized thousands of young people, drawn opposition support and intensified scrutiny of Modi.
    — Sheikh Saaliq, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In my opinion, every good movie that enters the German market helps the German market, and the theatrical market in general.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Try to get an opinion from a local paleontologist or someone who studies biology, at least.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 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
  • But viewers had already seen Rosalía in them minutes earlier, at the conclusion of her one appearance in a comedy sketch.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The report’s main conclusion was that two years ago, the DeSantis team diverted $10 million from a Medicaid settlement for political purposes.
    — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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