SPIRIT Synonyms: 201 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'spirit' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage , mettle , resolution , and tenacity . While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," 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: When might 'courage' be a better fit than 'spirit'?

While the synonyms courage and spirit are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. // the courage to support unpopular causes

Q: When could 'mettle' be used to replace 'spirit'?

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience. // a challenge that will test your mettle

Q: In what contexts can 'resolution' take the place of 'spirit'?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends. // the resolution of pioneer women

Q: How are the words 'tenacity' and 'resolution' related as synonyms of 'spirit'?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat. // held to their beliefs with great tenacity

spirit 1 of 2

noun

ˈspir-ət

Definition of spirit

as in soul

an immaterial force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power the theological and philosophical belief that the spirit is superior to the body

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

body
flesh

as in mode

a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion had been in a combative spirit all week

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as in ghost

the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people Hamlet's late father appears to him in the form of a spirit and with the revelation that he was in fact murdered

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as in liquor

spirits plural a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk a hotel bar that's well stocked with spirits

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spirit

2 of 2

verb

as in to capture

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How is the word spirit distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage, mettle, resolution, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," 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

When might courage be a better fit than spirit?

While the synonyms courage and spirit are close in meaning, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When could mettle be used to replace spirit?

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

In what contexts can resolution take the place of spirit?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

How are the words tenacity and resolution related as synonyms of spirit?

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 spirit

Noun

In the spirit of Hollywood happenings, Chamberlain—who has been on a hiatus from her podcast Anything Goes since April—also offered a teaser of what’s to come next for her as an actor. — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026 Woodstock’s history is shaped by its creativity, innovation, and independent spirit. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026

Verb

Misdirection is a tool that the Secret Service often uses, but this case is extraordinary considering the secrecy and methods deployed to spirit Trump out of Turkey. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026 The whiskey is distinguished by an unusually high proportion of pot still spirit, giving it a richer, spicier profile than many Irish blends. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spirit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit

Noun

The playwright Aristophanes’ account of love was the soul’s clocking of its like in another.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
On YouTube, a continuous 10-hour loop of the song, uploaded by some kind soul, has alone garnered 14 million clicks.

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of soul

Noun

From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.

— Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
There were earlier versions of this story that were openly mocking of Kip, versions that threw Leo under the bus for being too sly; versions that were too overtly political; versions with ghosts that didn’t need to be there, and so on.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of ghost

Noun

Counters and tables covered with gunk and what looked like marijuana and empty beer and liquor bottles around.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
New ownership would have the option to keep Lindy’s running, rebrand it as something fresh — or, essentially, any other possibility under the sun for the property, building and liquor license.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of liquor

Verb

Meta's popular smart glasses can take photos, capture video and record voice notes or reminders.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
All three ships would be based out of Port Canaveral to support capture out at sea of the New Glenn rocket first stages after launch.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of capture

Noun

Finish Skin Prep With a Toner or Essence After cleansing, a toning step can remove any leftover impurities from the pores and balance the skin’s pH level, while essences—which have a slightly thicker texture—tend to be more hydrating.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
Finding the essence of a scene does not always mean moving closer or showing more.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of essence

Noun

Djrum is the rare DJ who operates almost entirely outside the world of genre; his sets swing from breakcore to IDM, jungle to techno, garage to field recordings to—well—whatever, really, depending on mood.

— Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026
Obviously, the mood has shifted around this college town thanks to the Hoosiers winning last year's CFP title, along with having a head coach in Curt Cignetti who has turned this program into a football juggernaut in just two years.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of mood

Noun

The spacecraft encounters transformed a disappointing naked-eye apparition into a landmark scientific campaign.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026
One is Eye Witness (1987), a wintry landscape of two figures who seem to look away from an apparition of sorts; a skyscraper in the distance bears a resemblance to the Empire State Building.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparition

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“Spirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spirit. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spirit

noun

verb

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More from Merriam-Webster

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