: 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
The quality that drew Kurosawa to Yonezawa’s novel in the first place is not valor or cunning but something considerably less heroic.
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 May 2026
People who knew the security guard have spoken out about his life, describing him as a father of eight and remembering him for his kindness and valor.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Just felt like something that has a lot of valor to it.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 May 2026
William Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed upon American service members for acts of valor.
—USA Today, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for valor
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 May 2026
People who knew the security guard have spoken out about his life, describing him as a father of eight and remembering him for his kindness and valor.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Just felt like something that has a lot of valor to it.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 May 2026
William Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed upon American service members for acts of valor.
—USA Today, 6 May 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 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
valor
noun
val·or
ˈval-ər 
: personal bravery in the face of danger
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