fortitude

noun

ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce fortitude (audio)
Definition of fortitudenext
as in courage
the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship it was only with the greatest fortitude that the Pilgrims were able to survive their first winter in Plymouth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 fortitude But, deciding to still move forward with their round of golf knowing the boss would find out at some point took fortitude. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The five points of the star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 In this scenario, Rogen would emerge as a courageous if idiosyncratic folk hero — one richly rewarded for his stoner fortitude. — Peter Bart, Deadline, 30 July 2026 In some respects, polytropos is an unusual choice—most Homeric heroes are described in terms of their fortitude, their strength, or their prowess in battle. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fortitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fortitude
  1. courage
  2. stamina
  3. bravery
  4. grit
  5. courageousness
Noun
  • Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Through stories and interactive experiences, the Dream Maker will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others up through courage and kindness.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of courage
Noun
  • This one play offers a new snapshot of just how involved playing quarterback is and how much mental stamina and awareness will always be folded in.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That might be due to grit, stamina—or a little psychological trick called a coping mantra.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of stamina
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
  • The company also described Pete as a character whose grit and stubbornness align with Pittsburgh’s hard-working identity and the franchise’s reputation for physical football.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Sac State players and coaches appreciated the grit of quarterback Carson Conklin, who suffered a wrist injury in the first half and soldiered his way to the end, completing 25 of 46 passes for 221 yards.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025
Definition of courageousness

Phrases Containing fortitude

Browse Nearby Words

fortifying
fortitude
fortress
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Fortitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fortitude. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All