RESOLVE Synonyms: 216 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

resolve 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzälv

Definition of resolve

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to solve

to find an answer for through reasoning resolve the apparent contradictions in the collected data

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

That figure describes the platform’s usual response time and should not be read as a guarantee that every issue will be resolved within the same period. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 Still others hold tension internally, hoping the issue will resolve itself. — Hylke Faber, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Noun

Sheeran said that the reaction from his audience strengthened his resolve to make sure the show, and tour, went on. — Brendan Menapace, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2026 The Likud’s efforts have only increased the resolve of some Israelis to return for the election. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve

Verb

Let the real issue become visible before deciding what changes.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
When the time came to renew the lease for the ghost kitchen, the brothers decided instead to sign on with a broker and go brick and mortar.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of decide

Verb

Cage solved my next problem by insisting that the way to discover new things is to overcome our dependence on our likes and dislikes, those supposed pillars of criticism.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
If something goes wrong, do our teams solve the customer’s problem together or simply hand it to someone else?

— Brian Tuite, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of solve

Noun

Fourth, the law needs to give homeowners enough time to challenge incorrect determinations.

— Michael Wolfe, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of determination

Verb

Eve is designed to complement, not replace, a wheelchair, offering another mobility option for moments when users choose to be upright.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
Merz could, at least in theory, choose to turn over the task of managing his party to someone else and concentrate on running the country.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of choose

Noun

The repeal’s effect on power companies’ present-day decisions – which plants to continue to operate, what to build and with what pollution controls built in – affects the electricity prices consumers pay now and over the coming decades.

— Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Her home isn’t in the highway’s path, but she was still baffled by council’s decision.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of decision

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resolved

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“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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