RESOLUTION Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

resolution

noun

ˌre-zə-ˈlü-shən

Definition of resolution

as in decision

a position arrived at after consideration her resolution to become a vegetarian is based on what she recently learned about modern farming practices

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as in resolve

firm or unwavering adherence to one's purpose that athlete's resolution to win is amazing

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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 Nearly 100 health, business, science and environmental groups are now urging Congress to reject the resolutions. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 There’s little resolution for Claret, albeit some hesitant hope. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Florida already collects substantial IDEA data, monitors districts and publishes dispute-resolution resources. — Deborah Esther Brooks, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 The resolution Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas declined to answer questions about Halver’s benefits or bill. — Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution

Noun

Quebec’s Premier Christine Fréchette said Carney made the right decision to walk away from the negotiating table.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Gao has refused to plead guilty to the charges and plans to appeal the decision.

— News Desk, Artforum, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decision

Noun

His periodic fireside chats were broadcast on the radio and captivated the nation with their warmth, clarity and resolve.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Ukraine, for its part, has pursued long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and logistics hubs, seeking to raise the cost of the war for Moscow and test President Vladimir Putin's resolve after more than four-and-a-half years of conflict.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of resolve

Noun

Hochman called Monday’s verdict an important step toward justice and accountability.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Glenn Close has given her final verdict on All’s Fair costar Kim Kardashian, after their ensemble legal drama debuted to scathing reviews that, according to a new social media post, still plague the latter.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of verdict

Noun

The conference said its rule would apply independently of the status of NCAA eligibility determinations.

— Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
In his ruling Gayles rejected the government’s argument that Vorbe could be held in mandatory detention without a bond hearing simply because of Rubio’s determination in a letter.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of determination

Noun

The family explored private healthcare for another opinion, but the first consultation didn’t go to plan.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
The ruling Thursday said the newspaper did not have sufficient cause to terminate Karen Attiah, who at the time was the last Black full-time member of the Post’s opinion desk.

— Corey Williams, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of opinion

Noun

Black got the start and ran for 33 yards on eight carries, showing the decisiveness and explosiveness the 49ers liked about him during his time helping Indiana win a national championship last season.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
At times, Arsenal have lacked the decisiveness to move players on, even when the timing is uncomfortable.

— Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of decisiveness

Noun

Despite the lack of outward signs in Ocean Springs, Nolan’s death has come to mean different things to different people and a lack of answers from authorities has left residents drawing their own conclusions about the circumstances of his death.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Trump faces mounting pressure to address high gas prices as the war in Iran on Friday reached a six-month milestone with no conclusion in sight.

— Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of conclusion

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resoluteness

resolution

resolutions

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“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of resolution

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