as in brave
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament
the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of courageous
The start of the downfall of the Daniel arap Moi dictatorship belongs, among others, to a small group of courageous Kenyan lawyers who at great risk dared to challenge these government abuses in court.
—
Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
That single, raw courageous act for Fritzie to lie about her age spared her life in the moment.
—Bernard Cherkasov, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
May 21 – June 20 A courageous vision can lead you through complex issues.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Brodie was a two-time Pro Bowler and won the 49ers’ prestigious Len Eshmont Award in 1965 for inspirational and courageous play.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for courageous
Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
That single, raw courageous act for Fritzie to lie about her age spared her life in the moment.
—Bernard Cherkasov, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
May 21 – June 20 A courageous vision can lead you through complex issues.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Brodie was a two-time Pro Bowler and won the 49ers’ prestigious Len Eshmont Award in 1965 for inspirational and courageous play.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for courageous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courageous
Adjective
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The world must stand with the people of Iran before more of our bravest souls are lost.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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Visitors can take a three-hour train from Zurich or Milan or brave the winding mountain passes by car.—
Jessica Sulima,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Jonny Diamond, our fearless editor, has been energized this week by our comrades in Minneapolis.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
6 Feb. 2026
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And yet, Mikki’s fearless disposition to protect Iris at all costs seems to surpass what the robot was programmed to do.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With Steph Curry in street clothes for the second consecutive game while dealing with runner’s knee, the 11-man Golden State put up a valiant effort that resulted in a come-from-behind 101-97 win.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
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An eight-point halftime lead completely vanished, and after a valiant comeback effort, SMU point guard Boopie Miller’s game-winning shot was blocked at the buzzer.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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These ventures can be heroic, as when Tommie Smith and John Carlos valiantly raised their fists as a Black Power salute in Mexico City in 1968.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
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Every screening kicked off with a video tribute to him, and each replay drove home the sheer heroic improbability of what Redford had accomplished.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Tilt and the gallant escort was replaced by a boy too traumatized to leave his mother’s side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Jan. 2026
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While Son of Hitler takes plenty of creative liberty when the titular character is recruited to assassinate his famous father for the Allies, the fate of the real-life Loret isn’t so gallant.—
Rosemary Counter,
Vanity Fair,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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His bold team selection against Palace — giving 17-year-old England youth international Harry Howell his full Premier League debut on the right flank and 18-year-old Greek centre-forward Charalampos Kostoulas his second league start — did not pay off.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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However, Musk is known for delivering bold statements and shifting timelines.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Courageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courageous. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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