COURAGE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'courage' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of courage are mettle , resolution , spirit , and tenacity . While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. // the courage to support unpopular causes

Q: When might 'mettle' be a better fit than 'courage'?

In some situations, the words mettle and courage are roughly equivalent. However, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience. // a challenge that will test your mettle

Q: When is it sensible to use 'resolution' instead of 'courage'?

Although the words resolution and courage have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends. // the resolution of pioneer women

Q: In what contexts can 'spirit' take the place of 'courage'?

While in some cases nearly identical to courage , spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened. // her spirit was unbroken by failure

Q: How are the words 'tenacity' and 'resolution' related as synonyms of 'courage'?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat. // held to their beliefs with great tenacity

courage

noun

ˈkər-ij

Definition of courage next

as in bravery

strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger the moral courage to speak out against injustice when no one else will

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How is the word courage distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of courage are mettle, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When might mettle be a better fit than courage?

In some situations, the words mettle and courage are roughly equivalent. However, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is it sensible to use resolution instead of courage?

Although the words resolution and courage have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

In what contexts can spirit take the place of courage?

While in some cases nearly identical to courage, spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

How are the words tenacity and resolution related as synonyms of courage?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

Examples 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 courage The justices should have the courage and good sense to say as much. —

The Editors, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024 This question reframes failure as a sign of courage. —

Amy Morin, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024 President Biden, President-elect Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu: This is a moment for courage, collaboration and decisive action. —

Laura Kelly, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2024 Or in absorbing Laurie Anderson’s mesmerizing Amelia — her beauteous, immediate, dreaming of a woman whose courage took her into the void, and history. —

Matt Thompson, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for courage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage

Noun

To the unaccompanied minors who have come from Central America for the last quarter of a century: Thank you for showing more bravery in your young lives than anyone in Trump’s administration can ever dream of.

Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
From small towns to bustling Chicago, the men left for war and came home with legacies of bravery, resilience and brotherhood.

Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024