mettle

noun

Definition of mettlenext
as in strength
strength of spirit; ability to continue despite difficulties He showed his mettle as a fighter tonight with a heroic comeback.

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How is the word mettle distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mettle are courage, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When can courage be used instead of mettle?

While the synonyms courage and mettle 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 resolution be used to replace mettle?

The words resolution and mettle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might spirit be a better fit than mettle?

The meanings of spirit and mettle largely overlap; however, 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 do tenacity and resolution relate to one another, in the sense of mettle?

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 mettle Then Spielberg shows her true mettle by pulling off a twist that proudly goes full horror. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 July 2025 These examples highlight rare instances of teams bouncing back from disheartening defeats in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, proving their championship mettle. —Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Now, the primo mettle tester that is Oakmont beckons the world’s best as the first round of the 125th U.S. Open tees off Thursday morning. —Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Sunday will either be a funeral for their season or a flex of their legendary mettle. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mettle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettle
  1. strength
  2. stamina
  3. power
  4. courage
Noun
  • Only two years prior, Zoe highlighted the strength of their bond while celebrating their 31st anniversary.
    — Michael Nied, People.com, 22 July 2025
  • That study showed that the AI interaction significantly reduced the strength of those beliefs, even two months later.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
Definition of strength
Noun
  • Investing In Neurotechnology-Based Solutions: Emerging tools like neurofeedback (i.e., real-time brain training based on EEG data) are gaining interest as non-invasive methods to enhance focus, regulate emotions, and build attention stamina over time.
    — Ofer Lidsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Casey ranks exceptionally high in stamina (94), strength (93) and injury (95), with a score closer to 99 indicating a player is less likely to get injured.
    — Shaun Goodwin July 14, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
Definition of stamina
Noun
  • The storms also caused widespread power outages across the region.
    — Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
  • Trump has the power to pardon Maxwell or to commute her sentence.
    — Aysha Bagchi, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • The Knight of Wands brings a rush of passion, courage, and the desire to move boldly toward what excites you.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
  • There’s a lot of encouragement and support and courage.
    — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Definition of courage

Phrases Containing mettle

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metrosexual
mettle
mettlesome
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Cite this Entry

“Mettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettle. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of mettle for Spanish Speakers

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