RESOLUTION Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

resolution

noun

ˌre-zə-ˈlü-shən

Definition of resolution

as in decision

a position arrived at after consideration her resolution to become a vegetarian is based on what she recently learned about modern farming practices

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as in resolve

firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose that athlete's resolution to win is amazing

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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 orbiters will help map the planet in high resolution and answer questions that cropped up during MESSENGER’s detailed survey of Mercury. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Every lie begets another lie, every solution creates a new problem, and every apparent resolution sends the stakes spiraling ever higher. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Jets writer Murat Ates says don’t hold your breath waiting for a resolution here, however. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Hours saved, error rates, conversion lift and resolution time all work as anchors. — Brian Harmison, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution

Noun

Kroenke’s decision to purchase the Angels at a record $4 billion valuation has not impacted Trout’s plans to remain in Southern California.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The games present overly simplified worlds devoid of civilians, children, and animals, and there are no lasting consequences for players’ decisions.

— Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of decision

Noun

His periodic fireside chats were broadcast on the radio and captivated the nation with their warmth, clarity and resolve.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Ukraine, for its part, has pursued long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs, seeking to raise the cost of the war for Moscow and test President Vladimir Putin's resolve after more than four-and-a-half years of conflict.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of resolve

Noun

Shortly after hearing the verdict, Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa, embraced a man seated behind her and wiped her eyes with a tissue, according to a live feed of the proceeding from The Associated Press.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
Rahmani says if the jury still can’t reach a verdict, Sullivan will have no choice but to declare a mistrial.

— Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of verdict

Noun

The conference said its rule would apply independently of the status of NCAA eligibility determinations.

— Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
In his ruling Gayles rejected the government’s argument that Vorbe could be held in mandatory detention without a bond hearing simply because of Rubio’s determination in a letter.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of determination

Noun

In an unsigned opinion, a majority of the justices said the administration is likely to win its argument that the group suing to stop construction cannot show its been sufficiently harmed.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Capricorn December 22 – January 19 Someone close to you may arrive with urgency, opinions, and absolutely no interest in waiting.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of opinion

Noun

Black got the start and ran for 33 yards on eight carries, showing the decisiveness and explosiveness the 49ers liked about him during his time helping Indiana win a national championship last season.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
At times, Arsenal have lacked the decisiveness to move players on, even when the timing is uncomfortable.

— Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of decisiveness

Noun

Despite the lack of outward signs in Ocean Springs, Nolan’s death has come to mean different things to different people and a lack of answers from authorities has left residents drawing their own conclusions about the circumstances of his death.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Trump faces mounting pressure to address high gas prices as the war in Iran on Friday reached a six-month milestone with no conclusion in sight.

— Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of conclusion

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resoluteness

resolution

resolutions

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

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