Synonyms of resolve

resolve 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzälv 

1

as in to decide

to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration

I resolved to eat more healthily and to exercise regularly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decide
• choose
• figure
• opt
• determine
• find
• settle (on or upon)
• conclude
• rule
• select
• name
• pick
• adjudicate
• arbitrate
• elect
• prefer
• decree
• adjudge
• contemplate
• ponder
• rule (on)
• weigh
• cull
• debate
• single (out)
• think (about or over)
• meditate
• deliberate
• entertain
• consider
• judge
• study
• ruminate
• handpick
• question
• chew over
• cogitate
• referee
• mull (over)
• umpire

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• abstain
• decline
• turn down
• delay
• hesitate
• halt
• temporize
• stall
• waver
• vacillate
• waffle
• shilly-shally

2

as in to solve

to find an answer for through reasoning

resolve the apparent contradictions in the collected data

Synonyms & Similar Words

• solve
• unravel
• answer
• work
• figure out
• work out
• decipher
• crack
• decide
• conclude
• break
• unriddle
• gather
• deduce
• puzzle (out)
• dope (out)
• riddle (out)
• judge
• infer
• reason
• guess
• straighten (out)
• clear (up)
• presume
• assume
• speculate
• divine
• untie
• iron out
• untangle
• conjecture
• decode
• unscramble

3

as in to divide

to set or force apart

a prism will resolve a beam of light into an array of colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• divide
• separate
• disconnect
• split
• sever
• isolate
• dissociate
• disassociate
• pull
• divorce
• ramify
• detach
• part
• disjoin
• decouple
• break up
• dissect
• disunite
• dissever
• sunder
• dissolve
• uncouple
• decompose
• unlink
• subdivide
• disjoint
• unyoke
• disintegrate
• cleave
• fragment
• unravel
• disassemble
• bifurcate
• partition
• break down
• rip
• bisect
• quarter
• segment
• halve
• segregate
• tear
• break
• fractionate
• rift
• rend
• cut off
• dichotomize
• fragmentize
• rupture
• fracture
• fragmentate
• disengage
• trisect
• insulate
• fractionalize
• disentangle
• rive
• untie
• seclude
• sequester

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• join
• unite
• unify
• combine
• link
• mix
• connect
• assemble
• blend
• associate
• couple
• bind
• mingle
• close
• attach
• accumulate
• stick
• fuse
• knit
• fasten
• weld
• cement
• agglutinate

resolve

2 of 2

noun

as in determination

firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose

a naval pilot who has been unwavering in his resolve to become an astronaut

Synonyms & Similar Words

• determination
• decision
• decisiveness
• resolution
• persistence
• resoluteness
• persistency
• purposefulness
• readiness
• firmness
• confidence
• granite
• decidedness
• determinedness
• certainty
• perseverance
• tenacity
• stick-to-itiveness
• stubbornness
• obstinacy
• doggedness
• tenaciousness
• obduracy
• eagerness
• gameness
• fortitude
• certitude
• obstinateness
• grit
• alacrity
• iron
• obdurateness
• sand
• pluck
• sureness
• backbone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hesitation
• indecision
• vacillation
• doubt
• irresolution
• uncertainty
• indecisiveness
• reluctance
• unwillingness
• irresoluteness
• disinclination
• incertitude
• aversion
• indisposition
• indetermination

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb resolve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resolve are decide, determine, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

When might decide be a better fit than resolve?

In some situations, the words decide and resolve are roughly equivalent. However, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When could determine be used to replace resolve?

Although the words determine and resolve have much in common, determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When is it sensible to use rule instead of resolve?

The words rule and resolve can be used in similar contexts, but rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When would settle be a good substitute for resolve?

While the synonyms settle and resolve are close in meaning, settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resolve

Verb

Grainier’s life is literally reduced to ashes, and the fate of his wife and daughter is, movingly, never resolved. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025

That’s not to mention his pursuit of resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. —Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025

Noun

Some audiences invoke regime change to signal resolve and a willingness to break an entrenched system that appears resistant to reform. —Andrew Latham, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

If anything, Lane Kiffin’s decision to bolt for LSU seemed to harden Ole Miss’ resolve, pushing the Rebels to the best season in school history — and within a game of their first national championship game. —Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026