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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
Fortunately, most cases of liver damage naturally resolve when people stop taking the turmeric. ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025 But while the situation appears to be resolved, both sides included language indicating that this deal is not technically complete. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Noun
It’s won in the battlefield of the mind, where fatigue, stress and relentless decision-making threaten to fracture resolve. Akin Akinpelu, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 But the company reiterated its resolve against the deal. Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve
Verb
  • In 2016 Norway’s Parliament decided on a national goal that all new cars sold by 2025 should be ZEVs and the country mobilized policy to achieve that target.
    Margo T. Oge, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Every candidate has already been vetted for safety; A.I. can identify low-hanging fruit, and then humans can decide whether the pairing is ripe for picking.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • No matter what happens, USC’s next president will have a serious financial crisis to solve, a furious faculty to calm and a tense political climate to navigate.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
  • That’s the demand problem that PJM is focused on, which is not Maryland’s problem to solve.
    David S. Lapp, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Debate at meeting During the board meeting Thursday night, the room was divided between supporters of Mayer, advocates for the students who came forward, and former students who were against Mayer’s employment from being reinstated.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
  • Know the Signs Cucumbers are typically divided into two main categories: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Distributions to heirs or charitable contributions can be made by the determination of an independent trustee.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • However, their passion for the sport and determination led to changes in the rules, allowing Muslim women to compete in full-body uniforms at both collegiate and national levels.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Owners of heavy trucks can choose to only display their front license plate.
    Eleanor Nash July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
  • Scroll to choose from seven different K-Beauty sunscreen favorites, with more picks to come.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The film centers on Kosiński at a time when his life and literary career unravelled after having the authenticity of his work called into question by two reporters from The Village Voice.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • Further studies will be needed to unravel the mystery.
    Mike Bezemek, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Much depends on whether the resin can be separated from other wastes.
    LEW SICHELMAN, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • The entity is separated from the operating business, while governance remains informal, echoing the founder’s leadership style.
    Paul Westall, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Until this can be verified, the City Council must not come close to making any final decision.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • The legal advocacy group Center for Constitutional Rights criticized the decision, saying that without the plea agreements, the case will never be resolved.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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