courage

Synonym Chooser

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 ultimate guide to earning passive income online The early success gave Vaccarella the courage to try something more rash in 2012: putting all her cash, including her kids’ college savings, into ordering more than 1,000 bags. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 The real measure of success lies in resilience, innovation and the courage to lead through complexity. Angelica Kopec, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 The key is experience, good judgment, and the courage to speak truth to power. Sam Nunn, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024 But unfortunately, it was not accompanied by the same widespread moral courage. Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for courage 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage
Noun
  • These outings have more to do with group bonding and proof of bravery than the supernatural.
    Elizabeth Friend, Longreads, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Images of their odyssey were captured by Palestinian journalist Alaa Hamouda, with Qamar drawing praise for her bravery in a snapshot of the daily reality facing many Palestinians in the enclave.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Senior Dog Found Stranded in Canal with Almost 'No Chance of Survival' Recovers and Gets the 'Best Life' Even after this amazing act of heroism, Moogan is still available for adoption.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
  • About the heroism of Spotted Tail and Iron Shell, for instance, who fought side by side against the soldiers.
    Tim Madigan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • For the next 40 years, not one of the seven Medal of Honor candidates cited for their gallantry in Cambodia or Laos received it.
    Barry Barnett, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2024
  • Superheroes have long been depicted wearing capes, which symbolize gallantry and underscore the fanciful nature of the superhero genre.
    Greg Hanlon, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024
Noun
  • Flashback: That road prowess followed the team to Seattle this week, where Houston held the No. 4-seed Sounders scoreless, forcing a penalty shoot-out.
    Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
  • The potential return of the Tasmanian tiger will be a culmination of efforts from scientists at the University of Melbourne, the technological prowess of Colossal Biosciences and the genetic contributions of a pickled 110-year old thylacine head.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The pot shattered, severing tissue and nerves in Treinen’s thumb.
    Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Severe frostbite can lead to long-term complications like chronic pain and nerve damage.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near courage

Cite this Entry

“Courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courage. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on courage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!