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noun

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

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 resolve
Verb
However, neither group seemed to want to resolve the discrepancy between their two theories of how vertebrate palliums evolved, according to García-Moreno. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025 Facing unspeakable evil with the greatest – and unsuspected – resolve a human being can ever hope for, Jean Moulin’s story reverberates until today. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 May 2025
Noun
All of them have a track record of battling, years of grinding to — and at — the top, epic moments fueled by legendary resolve. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Over the next four years, the risk of a military crisis will likely rise as the two countries increasingly test each other’s resolve. Tong Zhao, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve
Verb
  • The Court found that the IRS was correct in its decision to revoke tax-exempt status, but the case was not decided until 1983.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • For now, he’s decided attending university is the best path, but opted to spend his first year of school in Rome to deepen his spirituality.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Following the murder of her best friend, she’s forced to outrun the mob in her 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, traversing the byways of America while solving murders along the way.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
  • Some companies may pivot to domestic manufacturing, but this transition takes time and may not solve the issue.
    Rytis Lauris, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • What's Next Breastfeeding often divides public opinion, and will likely spark similar debates online in the future.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • On our trip to Greenville, Victor stopped at a road that divides two burial grounds in town.
    Erika Hayasaki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife did not indicate in its news release what may have caused the animal’s death but said a final determination will be made after a necropsy.
    Max Levy, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
  • This portrait of a chef who moved from Japan in the 1970s delivers a generous helping of warm and fuzzy feels, as its subject faces challenges with determination and celebrates the daily joy of creating beautiful bites.
    Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The fact that the high court chose this case to discuss universal injunctions could mean a majority want to reaffirm their use, said Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Keeping all the elements in neutral tones ensures the focus stays on the bucolic landscape. 09 of 12 Textural Appeal This outdoor grilling area has thoughtfully chosen amenities that rival many indoor kitchens.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Throughout Season 2, viewers have watched lead protagonist Colter Shaw, played by Justin Hartley, slowly unravel his family’s complicated dynamics and the mystery of his father’s death.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Brooks plays Eddie, a ghost from Jax’s past resurfaces, bringing with him a whirlwind of unresolved tension that threatens to unravel everything she’s worked so hard to build.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Cosmos 482 separated into four pieces, two of which remained in Earth's low orbit and decayed within 48 hours, and the other two pieces went into a higher orbit.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in the fridge, and separate the meat from the bones for easier reheating.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Fighting will pause to allow for Alexander's safe passage, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, a day after Israel was told of Hamas' decision to free the last surviving U.S. hostage in Gaza as a goodwill gesture to President Trump.
    Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Positive polling could improve Trump's reputation and be used to justify his policy decisions.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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