Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolute distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of resolute are constant, faithful, loyal, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use constant instead of resolute?

The meanings of constant and resolute largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

Where would faithful be a reasonable alternative to resolute?

While the synonyms faithful and resolute are close in meaning, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When can loyal be used instead of resolute?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolute, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When could staunch be used to replace resolute?

In some situations, the words staunch and resolute are roughly equivalent. However, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

When might steadfast be a better fit than resolute?

The words steadfast and resolute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Example 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 resolute Despite being on top for the first half in Saitama, Japan was unable to find the breakthrough against a resolute Bahrain team. Ben Morse, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 Neuharth was resolute about a reader-friendly approach. Caren Bohan, USA Today, 3 May 2025 Despite his resolute disdain for the regime, at 14 years old he was required by law to join the Hitler Youth, a paramilitary organization. Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Maryland must reconcile its fiscal strategies with a resolute commitment to justice and the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens — our children. Diana Philip, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • And if culture is the battlefield, Abdul Muhammad II is determined to win—not with force, but with wisdom.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Animal lovers have been left in stitches by a young German shepherd dog who discovered a spot of light on the floor and was determined to get to the bottom of it.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • If the players were intent on sticking to their set routines, chairman Steve Parish was the opposite.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • The La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee returned to meeting online this week, and though its first meeting back on Zoom since the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t go as smoothly as hoped, the board is intent on sticking to the virtual format.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Today's ruling is another clear and decisive victory that will ensure the lives of countless unborn children remain protected and that South Carolina continues to lead the charge in defending the sanctity of life.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Charlotte’s victory in the series-deciding finale improved its record to 3-4 all time in its modern history (since 1994) and was the second in three season; Charlotte won the decisive third game of a best-of-three series in 2023 over Lehigh Valley.
    Richard Walker, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Board is confident that the institutional improvements implemented over the past five years, along with those planned for the coming months – incorporating valuable recommendations from Omnia – will mitigate risks in the future.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • This date is also supported by a notice to mariners, but it should be taken as notional rather than something to be confident in.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • This could have very positive effects on teen mental health and reduce the risks of cyberbullying which has detrimentally affected mental health.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Both are key members of our squad whose contributions are mostly positive.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Taskmaster Saturn will also enter Aries on May 24, challenging your one-on-one partnerships and commitments, as you are called to take your relationships more seriously and establish firm boundaries in the process.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Texture-wise, the Jell-O is firm, but still joyously jiggly and soft, punctuated by bites of ripe strawberries.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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