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

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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

The lingering dilemma, which may prove no easier for a future jury to resolve, is what the law should make of someone who was both. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 Employees must know when to trust the model, challenge its output and resolve unusual cases. — Michael Tyrimos, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

His periodic fireside chats were broadcast on the radio and captivated the nation with their warmth, clarity and resolve. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Ukraine, for its part, has pursued long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs, seeking to raise the cost of the war for Moscow and test President Vladimir Putin's resolve after more than four-and-a-half years of conflict. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve

Verb

Kushner for his part emphasized in his note this week that FIFA’s members would ultimately have decided whether to participate.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
The two companies decided to change the way the figurines were auctioned to avoid the gouging narrative.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of decide

Verb

In a squad that features Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, Diomande can work his way into the first XI rather than arrive with the responsibility of solving a glaring problem.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Actors, academics and press are still trying to solve the puzzle 37 years later.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of solve

Verb

Deficit turnaround Meloni inherited an Italy that was politically divided and fraught with fiscal problems.

— Jenni Reid,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
The open-plan, curvilinear design means the galleries are not fully divided, reinforcing the all-encompassing nature of the collection, though altogether the vast array of exhibits sometimes struggle for cohesiveness.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of divide

Noun

Her passion, determination and single-minded focus had completed the deal.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The allegations build on an April 2025 US determination that Sudan’s government used chemical weapons in 2024, though officials provided little public evidence at the time.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of determination

Verb

While there is no suggestion of any kind of confrontation, there were tensions between different factions in the dressing room as Rosenior’s tenure unravelled.

— Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
From there, secrets start to unravel and answers to the mystery of how their friends can afford a lifestyle of seemingly limitless fun are revealed.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of unravel

Verb

Screening electrons at nanoscale The researchers built a structure containing two twisted graphene bilayers separated by less than a nanometre.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
To lose them both to separate suicides while facing his own mortality as an active athlete requires true fortitude.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of separate

Noun

Kroenke’s decision to purchase the Angels at a record $4 billion valuation has not impacted Trout’s plans to remain in Southern California.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The games present overly simplified worlds devoid of civilians, children, and animals, and there are no lasting consequences for players’ decisions.

— Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of decision

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resolve

resolved

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“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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