resolve 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈzälv How to pronounce resolve (audio)
Definition of resolvenext
1
as in to decide
to come to a judgment about after discussion or consideration I resolved to eat more healthily and to exercise regularly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to solve
to find an answer for through reasoning resolve the apparent contradictions in the collected data

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to divide
to set or force apart a prism will resolve a beam of light into an array of colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

resolve

2 of 2

noun

as in determination
firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose a naval pilot who has been unwavering in his resolve to become an astronaut

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb resolve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resolve are decide, determine, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

When might decide be a better fit than resolve?

In some situations, the words decide and resolve are roughly equivalent. However, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When could determine be used to replace resolve?

Although the words determine and resolve have much in common, determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When is it sensible to use rule instead of resolve?

The words rule and resolve can be used in similar contexts, but rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When would settle be a good substitute for resolve?

While the synonyms settle and resolve are close in meaning, settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

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 resolve
Verb
Cognitive dissonance is about resolving conflicts in information by choosing what is most comfortable. — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 That case was eventually resolved, but not before X created an entire X account dedicated to harassing the Brazilian judge. — Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
When looking through the archives, Reitan found evidence of the women’s resolve. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2025 As Paige Bueckers enters her final college season, there's a strong resolve to guide UConn back to the top. — Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve
  1. decide
  2. solve
  3. divide
  4. determination
  5. choose
  6. unravel
  7. separate
  8. decision
Verb
  • Lacking any evidence, the department decided Ozturk could be deported at Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discretion under law.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In this scenario, the Broncos get antsy with Tyler Warren still on the board and decide to move ahead of the Indianapolis Colts.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of decide
Verb
  • Years of investigation and interrogation failed to definitively solve the mystery of McPherson’s vanishing.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And it won’t be solved by job descriptions, dashboards, or top-down messaging.
    — Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of solve
Verb
  • The appeals court divided 2-1 in turning down the government's request to halt Boasberg's directive.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration reportedly calculated the tariff by dividing the trade deficit ($7.4 billion) by the value of imports to America ($22.2 billion) and then essentially halving the figure to reach 17%.
    — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of divide
Noun
  • After 11 years of perseverance and determination, Rory McIlroy finally secured his elusive Grand Slam win, donning the iconic green jacket with tears of joy streaming down his face.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Then, on April 12, 1955, the results of the Polio Pioneers effort were announced, with the determination of at least a 90% level of protection, with no major side effects.
    — Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of determination
Verb
  • There was doubt as to whether he would be chosen again to play against Dortmund only four days later.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Before agreeing to leave the show, Rourke faced the possibility of being the first contestant to be evicted from the CBB UK house this season, after Siwa was given a special power to choose one housemate to automatically face the public vote.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of choose
Verb
  • As secrets unravel, the play explores themes of power, gender roles and the tragic consequences of societal expectations in the late 19th century.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • But all that unraveled in the final quarter of 2023, leaving Neves, and his remaining investors, out of pocket.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of unravel
Verb
  • The sleeping space is separated from the living room and kitchen by an arched wall, making this a good option for couples who don’t fear an open plan.
    — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That said, a couple key differences in the eras: Goalies' gear covers more of the goal today Only a few years separate Ovechkin and Gretzky, but like any other sport, hockey equipment evolved during these four-plus decades.
    — Jim Sergent, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of separate
Noun
  • There is no entry for the county court’s decision in the state’s online court database and neither Kaul’s office nor the state court office has provided any documentation to The Associated Press of the court’s actions which came after business hours on Friday night.
    — Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article Making a decision to turn pro can be daunting enough, but mix in the range of emotions University of Minnesota teammates Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore faced before signing with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.
    — Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of decision

Browse Nearby Words

resolvable
resolve
resolved
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on resolve

Nglish: Translation of resolve for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All