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

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

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 courage The Oregon school district that lost three young students and a teacher in a mass shooting this week expressed profound grief on Saturday, praising the courage of the educator and staff member who risked their lives during the attack. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Depth also brings something subtler than the courage to pivot. — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026 The future will not be shaped only by the power of our technology or our weapons, but by the quality of our conversations—and the courage of the choices that follow. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 But, beyond the wall-to-wall coverage and sensational headlines, is a story about the incredible courage, devotion, and strength that Natalee’s mother, Beth, showed in the face of unimaginable loss. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage

Noun

But a rally outside Wednesday's meet — where the boy finished second among a field of 25 to help lead Camas to the girls district championship — showed that the adults are catching up in the bravery department.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
As possibly the most thrilling option in the entire park, the free-fall station tests visitors’ bravery.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

Iâve always been drawn to exploring the more complex, human side of those experiences rather than simply celebrating the heroism.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
While his photographs capture moments of power, individuality, and almost mythological heroism, the documentary will offer an opportunity to explore the complicated realities behind those images.

— Robert Lang, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of heroism

Noun

In World Cup lore, however, his gallantry is doomed to be overshadowed by that of his fellow-goalkeeper from Cabo Verde, Vozinha, who had already produced an uncanny impersonation of a brick wall on the fourth day of the tournament.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
In all of these cases, the effect is largely the same—forging intimacy through some level of generosity or gallantry, coupled with pure, physical proximity—and in 2026, all of them are still technically possible.

— Sara Delgado, Vogue, 9 July 2026

Definition of gallantry

Noun

But now, some of the key data centers at the heart of its technical prowess have been knocked out by Ukrainian drone attacks in the 4 1/2-year-old full-scale invasion, suffering damage that could take a long time to repair.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Chinese medical equipment makers are increasingly challenging US, European, and Japanese competitors in hospitals around the world, extending Beijing’s technological prowess to yet another industry.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of prowess

Noun

The millimeter-wide arrangements of around 10,000 nerves and supporting cells sat on microelectrode arrays that let researchers stimulate the tissue and record its activity.

— Mike McRae October 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026
Steven Huefner, deputy director of the Election Law Program at Ohio State University, says poll chaplains might be able to calm the frayed nerves of a voting public that is constantly exposed to divisive rhetoric and news about political violence.

— Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of nerve

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“Courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courage. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of courage

noun

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