courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or characterized by courage : brave

a courageous soldier

a courageous decision

courageously adverb

courageousness noun

Synonyms of courageous

• brave
• fearless
• valiant
• heroic
• gallant
• bold

Examples of courageous in a Sentence

She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes.

the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order

Recent Examples on the Web

These nonfiction feature films from emerging talent around the world showcase some of the most courageous and extraordinary filmmaking today. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025

Her debut title, Celeste Saves the City, released in 2022, introduced readers to the character Celeste, a curious and courageous young girl inspired by Kelly’s own journey. —Essence, 10 Dec. 2025

Because of the courageous decision her brother made, someone else got to live, Zeida Woods said. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025

You’re being invited to believe in your future self, not just in theory, but through consistent rituals and courageous choices. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corageous, borrowed from Anglo-French corajus, from corage courage + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for courageous

• advantageous
• contagious
• outrageous
• disadvantageous

Kids Definition

courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 

: having or marked by courage : brave

courageously adverb

courageousness noun