Definition of resolutionnext

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 In this way, researchers can use light to turn cells on or off with remarkable precision and resolution in living, freely moving animals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026 The United Nations and the African Union have expressed concern over the rising tensions and called for a peaceful resolution. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 But researchers are developing more precise and higher resolution techniques to both study and adjust brain function. — Kimberlee D'ardenne, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 The Truman administration forwent congressional approval altogether and used United Nations Security Council resolutions to justify the intervention against Communist forces in the north, according to a White House news release from the time. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolution
Noun
  • In emergency decisions, by contrast, the president has a much stronger track record of wins.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There was angst among fans about Suamataia being held from the game, followed by blowback for questioning coach Andy Reid’s decision.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • They were published in a series of articles by German magazine Der Spiegel in November 2018, that gave insight into the City chairman's resolve for a legal battle.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Chicago has already reduced homicide and overdose rates; the same resolve can now target heart health.
    — Garth Walker, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In a rare sign of unity within Kosovo's fractured legislative assembly, lawmakers earlier this week unanimously condemned the war crimes verdicts in a declaration.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Soon after the verdict, Harley Feldman, who had attended his daughter's trial daily, passed away.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But the investigation is ongoing, and no final determination has been made.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Colfax Mayor Caroline McCully said the opening represents the culmination of years of work and determination by people who believed in the project and the community.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That not only put him at odds with public opinion, but complicated the lives of fellow Republicans eager to escape a backlash that's making a dire GOP election situation even worse.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • One analysis described the House contest as very close and gave Republicans a slight edge in its seat-by-seat model, while noting that current public-opinion conditions could favor Democrats.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The window to capitalize on these moves is narrow, demanding precision and decisiveness.
    — David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Cousins’ decisiveness and awareness are key traits Las Vegas wants Mendoza to observe and learn to emulate.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And your job as a writer is to put some order onto those pieces, but not necessarily to draw some giant conclusion about them.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The league, however, did not publicly identify the standard used to reach that conclusion.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolution. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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