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

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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

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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

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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
The governor has emphasized that tax increases alone will not resolve the deficit, while legislative leaders remain divided on potential solutions. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Zelenskyy did not respond to shouted questions from reporters asking him if a peace deal to resolve his nation’s war with Russia was now dead. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
Ted Mitchell, the head of the American Council on Education, tried to instill that same resolve in a speech to college presidents last week before sending them off to lobby members of Congress. —Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 But Trump should also not underestimate the resolve with which Arab nations may respond to his brazen attempt to sideline Palestinian agency, argued Anna Jacobs, a fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 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
  • The agency eventually decided to bring Starliner home uncrewed, which happened in early September, and fold Wilmore and Williams into the ISS' long-duration Expedition 72 mission.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • But New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle took exception to the bill, asserting that prosecutors already consider someone’s history including domestic violence in deciding sentences.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of decide
Verb
  • Puzzle after puzzle requires clever thinking and, most importantly, collaborative effort to solve.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Now, that’s not to say that Trump is going to solve anything.
    — David Remnick, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of solve
Verb
  • Only one point and two places divide Fabian Hurzeler’s side in seventh from City in fifth with 10 games to go.
    — Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The garden is divided into several enticing categories, from geographical designations to thematic gardens.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of divide
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
Definition of determination
Verb
  • The Suns drafted him with the 22nd pick, one of three Arkansas Razorbacks chosen in the first round, joining Todd Day and Lee Mayberry.
    — Doug Haller, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Dining Options Hotel 1928 has three restaurants to choose from.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of choose
Verb
  • The Bears’ defense unraveled last season after Billings suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 9.
    — Phil Rogers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The world watched in utter shock as Tiger’s pristine image unraveled amid revelations of marital indiscretions.
    — Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of unravel
Verb
  • The couple eventually separated and then divorced in 1990.
    — Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The incident occurred only about 15 miles south of the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of separate
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
Definition of decision

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Cite this Entry

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

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