COURAGE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of courage are mettle , resolution , spirit , and tenacity . While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty. // the courage to support unpopular causes

Q: When might 'mettle' be a better fit than 'courage'?

In some situations, the words mettle and courage are roughly equivalent. However, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience. // a challenge that will test your mettle

Q: When is it sensible to use 'resolution' instead of 'courage'?

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

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

While in some cases nearly identical to courage , 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 as synonyms of 'courage'?

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

courage

noun

ˈkər-ij

Definition of courage next

as in bravery

strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger the moral courage to speak out against injustice when no one else will

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How is the word courage distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of courage are mettle, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When might mettle be a better fit than courage?

In some situations, the words mettle and courage are roughly equivalent. However, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is it sensible to use resolution instead of courage?

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

the resolution of pioneer women

In what contexts can spirit take the place of courage?

While in some cases nearly identical to courage, 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 as synonyms of courage?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of courage As a symbol of the Shoah, Auschwitz obscures the courage of Jewish resisters. —

Martin Kimel, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2025 Commitment to strength, variety along with courage. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 And as Cecile’s warnings about the rise of the anti-woman opposition came to pass, and our rights began to be eroded—gradually, then suddenly—more and more of us found the courage to stand by her, or at least to try. —

Cindi Leive, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025 Your next big breakthrough might just come from the courage to pause. —

Lien De Pau, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for courage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courage

Noun

Despite the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy confirmed that the event will proceed as scheduled, with CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stating that the ceremony will serve as a fundraising effort for wildfire relief and honor the bravery of first responders.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
With poise, confidence, heart, passion, kindness, utter bravery and love!!!

— Marina Watts, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025