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 As Nepal grapples with the catastrophic natural disaster, Dawadi’s story has emerged as a striking example of foresight and courage. — Shonal Ganguly, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Prince was indeed one of only one, a legendary artist and master musician with unprecedented style, faith, courage, dignity and brilliance. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 That will depend on how Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada responds to the moment—and the courage of allies who have likewise tired of US bullying. — Wal Van Lierop, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage

Noun

For Lomon, the decision was less about bravery than responsibility.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Harry’s next major public engagement will take place in London at the annual WellChild Awards, honoring the bravery and resilience of seriously ill children and their caretakers.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of bravery

Noun

Against expectation, the film eschews neat narratives about survival and heroism.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
For most of his service in the House, Mills’ reputation has been clouded, starting with his campaign boasts of military heroism.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 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

Hyppolite’s big-play prowess, along with a solid night from running back John Gray, led the way as North Miami Beach easily handled North Miami 27-7 to improve to 2-0 on the season.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, Mikael Wood waxed on Parton’s storytelling prowess in her music.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of prowess

Noun

That are, again, all spoken at the same time, in a manner that could grate the nerves coming from the hands of any other filmmaker, but Herzog is entirely sincere and irony-free in his handling.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
One of Amit’s colleagues noticed that mice that had been given psilocybin avoided nerve damage after chemotherapy.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of nerve

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“Courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courage. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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