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 of courage in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Both Amber and Reyna emphasized the necessity of self-worth and the courage to stand firm in their beliefs, even when faced with pressure to conform. —

Essence, 31 Oct. 2024 Muster the courage to walk past it, or even crouch down to pet it? —

Elizabeth Carlen, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 Thank you for your patience, your courage, and your brilliant mind. —

Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024 With the help of his loyal, oddball animal friends, Pierre finds the courage to speak up, break tradition, and change his world for the better. —

Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for courage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage

Noun

So Charles, 64, set out to write a new book, Cherish America: Stories of Courage, Character, and Kindness, that celebrates this idea of bravery and grace under fire even amid a time of division and debate in the nation.

Johnny Dodd, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024
However, bravery and selflessness alone, no matter how honorable, are insufficient to discharge the Secret Service's no-fail protective mission.

Luke Barr, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2024