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 Although the Inouye Solar Telescope began operating from its perch on the Hawaiian volcano Haleakala in 2022, the addition of its latest key piece of equipment provides a major boost to its spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution to the most powerful telescope of its kind in the world. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 The original resolution said traffic enforcement would be one prong of Sacramento’s approach to ending fatal crashes. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025 To your prior guest, are there quick resolutions to these trade uncertainties with our major trading partners? CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025 The budget resolution will be drafted as legislation and will face more votes later this year. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • This means the board will generally have a wide view from different sources of what the value of a deal should be worth and make a decision based on that.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In a letter to the Trump administration, Blumenthal sought an accounting of how many visas have been revoked, the reasons cited for each one, and whether students were afforded due process to contest the decision.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The show of force from the tactical side of the operation, too, might have served to strengthen the resolve of the Branch Davidians to hold their ground.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • After a dominant season, the team’s resolve is tested by the unique challenge of going back-to-back.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Massachusetts woman is back in court after a first trial ended with a hung jury in July 2024 after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • His decision eliminated the need for a weekslong, high-profile court battle that would almost certainly have ended in a guilty verdict.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The song finds Wetmore shedding light on a childhood with a father battling against alcohol and pills, and Wetmore’s resulting desire and determination to forge a different path.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Sustainable workplace culture change requires both determination and adaptability.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Guardian newspaper reports that the former Doctor Who star – who appeared in the 2005 film adaptation of Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – gave his opinion of Rowling in answer to questions posed by a group of neurodivergent young adults in ITV’s show The Assembly.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
  • After everyone weighs in, Conrad turns to Harry for his opinion.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In May 2024, the series was renewed for a seventh season, consisting of six episodes, to give a fitting conclusion to The Conners.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • What used to be called a human interest story; no grand conclusions about the larger meaning of Dutch soccer.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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