METTLE Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of mettle are courage , resolution , spirit , and tenacity . While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience. // a challenge that will test your mettle

Q: When can 'courage' be used instead of 'mettle'?

While the synonyms courage and mettle are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. // the courage to support unpopular causes

Q: When could 'resolution' be used to replace 'mettle'?

The words resolution and mettle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends. // the resolution of pioneer women

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

The meanings of spirit and mettle largely overlap; however, 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 do 'tenacity' and 'resolution' relate to one another, in the sense of 'mettle'?

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

mettle

noun

Definition of mettle next

as in strength

strength of spirit; ability to continue despite difficulties He showed his mettle as a fighter tonight with a heroic comeback.

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How is the word mettle distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mettle are courage, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When can courage be used instead of mettle?

While the synonyms courage and mettle are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When could resolution be used to replace mettle?

The words resolution and mettle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might spirit be a better fit than mettle?

The meanings of spirit and mettle largely overlap; however, 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 do tenacity and resolution relate to one another, in the sense of mettle?

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 mettle Musk, whose growing political apparatus has already proved its mettle, will gain more than just an ally in the White House. —

Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 The race will undoubtedly be a true test of Hamlin's mettle. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Well, Cardona has had four years to show his mettle, and the results aren’t pretty. —

Frederick M. Hess, National Review, 24 Oct. 2024 After being disappointed by Vi one time too many, the Queen decides to test her daughter’s mettle once and for all and issues an ultimatum: Vi must pass a vigorous leadership boot camp in Colorado or lose the throne to her uncle. —

EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mettle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettle

Noun

For example, effectively exfoliating the body of dead skin may require a higher strength of salicylic acid than what’s found in facial products, or even an entirely different ingredient that isn’t recommended for the face.

Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 12 Dec. 2024
Risk mitigation is another strength of First Class Automation’s service.

Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024