Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolution distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resolution are courage, mettle, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might courage be a better fit than resolution?

The words courage and resolution are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

When can mettle be used instead of resolution?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolution, mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When is spirit a more appropriate choice than resolution?

The synonyms spirit and resolution are sometimes interchangeable, but 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?

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 resolution However, other fiscal hawks who had previously sworn off relying on these stopgap bill — also called continuing resolutions or CRs — in lieu of passing complete government funding packages are changing their tunes. Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 8 Mar. 2025 In late February, House Republicans passed a budget resolution instructing the committee that oversees Medicaid to cut $880 billion in costs over the next 10 years to help pay for new and existing tax cuts and enhanced border and national security, according to House Republicans. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 However, according to a resolution included in the agenda for the board’s Thursday meeting, the original resolution will no longer continue as planned. Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 This development has raised hopes among XRP investors for a favorable resolution in Ripple’s case. Trefis Team, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • Bad decisions, usually a string of them, are responsible for most mountain accidents.
    Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Mark’s decision to reintegrate; Helly’s attempt to carve her own path after her outie’s violation; Dylan G’s budding relationship with his own outie’s wife; and Irving’s dawning realizations about the true nature of Burt Goodman (Christopher Walken).
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Amid the entire harrowing journey, Alex never loses her resolve.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Further, McKinley didn’t display the kind of expansionist zeal or martial fervor that would correspond to Trump’s call for the U.S. acquisition of Greenland, for example, or his resolve to take back the Panama Canal and secure the wrecked land of Gaza.
    Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The jury deliberated for approximately 20 minutes before handing down a guilty verdict to 29-year-old Gregory Haendiges, who was charged with battery on a child, the Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said in a March 18 news release.
    Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His determination led to McIlroy's second career win at the event, silencing doubters.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The city’s Department of Finance was reviewing the OCB determination and did not immediately return a request for comment.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Bezos' decisions about the opinion pages led veteran journalists who have been a part of the Post for decades to cut ties, including Associate Editor David Maraniss and former Senior Managing Editor Cameron Barr.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Siena pollsters did not ask New Yorkers their opinion on Trump’s move to end the toll.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Federal Reserve is widely expected by economists to leave interest rates unchanged Wednesday at the conclusion of its March meeting.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Board Chair Mark Jerrell was blunt at the presentation’s conclusion.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resolution

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