: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery
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When Should You Use valor?
Valor in uniform is still rewarded by medals. Many American civic organizations award a Medal of Valor for physical courage, and the Air Force Medal of Honor displays the single word "Valor". The somewhat old-fashioned adjective valorous more often describes warriors of the past. But valiant is still in common use, though it less often describes military courage than other kinds of bravery or effort.
Examples of valor in a Sentence
The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor.
the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor
Recent Examples on the Web
Eternal valor is on the line, along with cash prizes and a sequined belt.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
But the valor of the real soldiers who carried the banner of American ideals into the firefight is nonetheless reflected in this story.
—
Kevin P. Sullivan,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 June 2026
All the while, Russian state TV continued to air the Kremlin’s talking points about the valor of its troops, the evils of Ukraine and its Western allies, and the approaching victory of Russia.
—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Then there’s the return of Jack Ryan, Tom Clancy’s Cold War hero, which suggests there is a global audience eager for old-fashioned All-American valor and idealism.
—
Stephen Schaefer,
Boston Herald,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for valor
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Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
But the valor of the real soldiers who carried the banner of American ideals into the firefight is nonetheless reflected in this story.
—
Kevin P. Sullivan,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 June 2026
All the while, Russian state TV continued to air the Kremlin’s talking points about the valor of its troops, the evils of Ukraine and its Western allies, and the approaching victory of Russia.
—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Then there’s the return of Jack Ryan, Tom Clancy’s Cold War hero, which suggests there is a global audience eager for old-fashioned All-American valor and idealism.
—
Stephen Schaefer,
Boston Herald,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for valor
Cite this Entry
“Valor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valor. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
valor
noun
val·or
ˈval-ər 
: personal bravery in the face of danger
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