: 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.
Synonyms
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
During the Korean War, Private First Class Wataru Nakamura demonstrated extraordinary valor, dismantling an enemy machine gun nest and reclaiming several bunkers.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Biden will award Medals of Honor decades after the soldiers' acts of valor and self-sacrifice in Korea and Vietnam.
Medals of Honor, the nation’s highest award for battlefield heroism, require extensive documentation and often years of advocacy by family members, comrades and members of Congress.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
The Medal of Valor is the nation’s highest award for valor by a public safety officer.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025
For actions in Normandy, he was awarded the Silver Star, the U.S. military’s third-highest award for valor in combat.
—Benjamin MacK-Jackson, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2024
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Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Biden will award Medals of Honor decades after the soldiers' acts of valor and self-sacrifice in Korea and Vietnam.
Medals of Honor, the nation’s highest award for battlefield heroism, require extensive documentation and often years of advocacy by family members, comrades and members of Congress.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
The Medal of Valor is the nation’s highest award for valor by a public safety officer.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025
For actions in Normandy, he was awarded the Silver Star, the U.S. military’s third-highest award for valor in combat.
—Benjamin MacK-Jackson, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for valor
Dictionary Entries Near valor
Cite this Entry
“Valor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valor. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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valor
noun
val·or
ˈval-ər 
: personal bravery in the face of danger
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