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

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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

The complaint about cremains was later resolved, a comptroller spokesperson said. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 In the final analysis, the Chargers resolved none of their many position battles in the wake of their 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason opener on Thursday night in Houston. — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2026

Noun

For most healthy individuals, no specific treatment is given since the disease is usually self-limiting and resolves in a couple of days. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The discomfort usually lasts only a few seconds to a few minutes and typically resolves as the tissues warm up. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve

Verb

That trial is scheduled to begin next month, but could be pushed back or canceled altogether depending on what the judge decides.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has not decided whether to resume negotiations with the US.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of decide

Verb

Still, the investigation into his murder had seemed to grow so cold that even many close to the events of that night believed the case would never be solved, much less prosecuted.

— Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
While there is no solid evidence that psychics can solve crimes, some law enforcement agencies use them when traditional leads run dry.

— Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of solve

Noun

With her big dreams and determination, Shyniyah hopes to one day become the President of the United States.

— The Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026
The singer connected that determination to a memory from childhood, describing a tendency to challenge what adults told her was true.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of determination

Verb

Well-known for his penmanship of the Ferrari Enzo over 25 years ago, Japanese designer Ken Okuyama chose the glamorous surroundings of Monterey Car Week to unveil his latest—and perhaps most ambitious—creation, the Kode89.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Election officials are reminding voters that Election Day voting differs from early voting because voters cannot simply choose any polling location.

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of choose

Verb

But this time Holmes unraveled against the Diamondbacks — notably a National League playoff contender — and didn’t make it through the fourth inning.

— Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Alex Cooper seems intent on unraveling some of the current relationships that have helped underpin her production company, Unwell.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of unravel

Noun

World soccer governing body FIFA, which organizes the World Cup, said immigration decisions were the purview of host countries for the tournament.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
And, Congress declined to maintain subsidies that Americans buying coverage through health insurance exchanges receive, a decision that has already caused many to let their coverage lapse.

— Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of decision

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resolvable

resolve

resolved

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“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of resolve

verb

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