courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce courageous (audio)
Synonyms of courageous
: having or characterized by courage : brave
a courageous soldier
a courageous decision
courageously adverb
courageousness noun

Synonyms of courageous

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Examples of courageous in a Sentence

She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes. the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As with any courageous statement, acceptance is rarely unanimous. — Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Sadly, sports reformers across the country have abandoned the hard work of courageous whistleblowers, such as Bensel-Meyers, and now sing the tune of college athlete compensation. — Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Being gay was still uncharted territory and their trust, at a time when visibility was dangerous, was courageous. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Pollock was not afraid of strong women and Lee Krasner was one of the most courageous, outspoken, and tenacious women any man might have chosen. — Barbara Rose, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courageous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corageous, borrowed from Anglo-French corajus, from corage courage + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of courageous was in the 14th century

Rhymes for courageous

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Browse Nearby Words

courage
courageous
courageously
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Cite this Entry

“Courageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courageous. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

courageous

adjective
cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce courageous (audio)
: having or marked by courage : brave
courageously adverb
courageousness noun
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