Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolution distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resolution are courage, mettle, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might courage be a better fit than resolution?

The words courage and resolution are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When can mettle be used instead of resolution?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolution, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is spirit a more appropriate choice than resolution?

The synonyms spirit and resolution are sometimes interchangeable, but 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?

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

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

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 resolution The rule included a provision to kill consideration of the proxy voting resolution. The Hill Staff, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025 With 47 Democrats and independents in the chamber, the resolution required the support of at least four Republicans for approval. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025 The Senate resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, would repeal Trump's February emergency declaration authorizing the tariffs. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 While different courts may reach different outcomes, the broader legal questions can percolate before the Supreme Court may ultimately step in with a resolution. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Freire defended his title twice before dropping a decision to Daniel Straus in November 2015.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Now consider what happens with AI either self-justifying a bad response or being unable to make a decision fast enough.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In recent years it's flown military planes over a corner of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone almost daily to signal its resolve.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • But, if Forest can hold on to the level of resolve that was typified by the young man from Sao Paulo in the 96th minute of the game, who knows where this journey will end.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The defendants appealed, but the Sixth Circuit largely upheld the verdict.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Turner was taken into federal custody following the verdict on Friday.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Many viewers loved the design and praised the brothers for their determination, but Carter also got his fair share of criticism.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • One is a determination to keep fighting: beat the administration in the courts, rely on the Congressional support that has saved foreign aid in the past, and return aid to something as close as possible to January 19, 2025.
    Dylan Matthews, Vox, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Danny is preparing her staff for an imminent natural disaster in this scene, so the tone’s quite serious already, and her opinion of Grey’s seems uncharitable at best.
    Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The new agreement will come at the conclusion of the previous 12-year deal agreed to by both parties, which was signed in 2013 for $5.2 billion Canadian.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025
  • That all came to a head at the conclusion of the 2022 season, when concussions kept Alex Bowman out of the playoffs and helped expedite the retirement of former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

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