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resolve

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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
Bodine said that the HOA wanted to try to resolve the concerns informally and come to a resolution. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025 Power cycling the router doesn’t resolve. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
But was this cynicism not merely an excuse for a lack of resolve? Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025 Game 2 of an NHL season is usually a little bit early to be writing about resolve, response and adversity. Max Bultman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve
Verb
  • As the team struggles with grief, Sharon decides to pull Station 42 off active duty entirely, rather than assign a new captain.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • When New Jersey suddenly came down hard on business, neighbouring Delaware decided to rewrite its rulebook to scoop up companies fleeing the state.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, in dress form, this problem is solved!
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Fields will now have to solve his problems without his favorite receiver.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Discussions have been held about dividing Madrid’s football operations from their business operations and letting speculators invest in the latter — although how (or if) that would work in practice is a moot point.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Most herbaceous perennials that spread or clump can flourish when divided every few years, such as hostas, coneflowers, daylilies, phlox, and bee balm.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This finding suggests that individuals who aren’t naturally gifted often compensate by working harder and with greater determination—and their effort pays off.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • We are united in our determination to dismantle extremism and radicalization in all its forms.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While the right technique for cutting can go a long way, nothing will have quite as much impact on the longevity of your blooms than choosing the right time to hit your garden with a bucket of lukewarm water and your sharpest shears in hand.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In Pullman’s world, evil is overcome by people choosing truth over lies, action over apathy and empathy over hate, every single day.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There are many versions of how the story unraveled from that moment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Minnesota broke a 1-1 tie early in the third period with a long-range shot from seventh defenseman Max Rud, then the Fighting Hawks unraveled the rest of the way en route to their first loss of the season.
    Brad Schlossman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One idea that has already been discussed internally would see Real Madrid being effectively split into two different entities — separating the football side from the business side.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • One particularly aggressive military style raid on an apartment building in south Chicago saw dozens arrested and children separated from their parents.
    Connor Greene, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Third, standardize decision-grade data and impact frameworks.
    Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Filosa said the investment decisions were a result of discussions with the company’s new leadership team as well as stakeholders such as the company’s franchised dealer network.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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