SPIRIT Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'spirit' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage , mettle , resolution , and tenacity . While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," 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

Q: When might 'courage' be a better fit than 'spirit'?

While the synonyms courage and spirit 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

Q: When could 'mettle' be used to replace 'spirit'?

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience. // a challenge that will test your mettle

Q: In what contexts can 'resolution' take the place of 'spirit'?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends. // the resolution of pioneer women

Q: How are the words 'tenacity' and 'resolution' related as synonyms of 'spirit'?

Tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat. // held to their beliefs with great tenacity

spirit 1 of 2

noun

ˈspir-ət

Definition of spirit next

as in soul

an immaterial force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power the theological and philosophical belief that the spirit is superior to the body

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

body
flesh

as in mode

a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion had been in a combative spirit all week

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as in ghost

the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people Hamlet's late father appears to him in the form of a spirit and with the revelation that he was in fact murdered

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as in liquor

spirits plural a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk a hotel bar that's well stocked with spirits

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nonintoxicant

spirit

2 of 2

verb

as in to capture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word spirit distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of spirit are courage, mettle, resolution, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," 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

When might courage be a better fit than spirit?

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

The words mettle and spirit can be used in similar contexts, but mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

In what contexts can resolution take the place of spirit?

Although the words resolution and spirit have much in common, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

How are the words tenacity and resolution related as synonyms of spirit?

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 spirit

Noun

Composer Harry Gregson-Williams and director Ridley Scott were presented with the Society’s spirit of collaboration award. —

Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025 In an age where technology has made much of the world accessible, the Explorers Club stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the unknown, where billionaires, astronauts, scientists, and adventurers come together to celebrate the spirit of exploration. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Verb

Benoit logged 20-plus minutes in ice time for just the fourth time in 39 games, threw seven hits and looked mobile and spirited with the puck. —

Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 Hill even walked the players to their first classes to make sure they weren’t spirited away by a last-minute sales pitch from the pros. —

Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for spirit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spirit

Noun

Stillness realigns us with the rhythms of nature, the whispers of inspiration, and the wisdom of the soul.

— Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Drake’s beef with Lamar sparked up just as hip-hop was fighting not only for its soul but also its relevance.

— Taylor Crumpton, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025