courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce courageous (audio)
Synonyms of courageous
: having or characterized by courage : brave
a courageous soldier
a courageous decision
courageously adverb
courageousness noun

Synonyms of courageous

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Examples of courageous in a Sentence

She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes. the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Only one, Andy Jassy, was courageous and smart enough to do it. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 And so props to them, props to everyone who is able to be competent and be bold and courageous enough to to speak their truths. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Institutions do not become courageous by hiring courageous people. — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 In this scenario, Rogen would emerge as a courageous if idiosyncratic folk hero — one richly rewarded for his stoner fortitude. — Peter Bart, Deadline, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for courageous

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corageous, borrowed from Anglo-French corajus, from corage courage + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of courageous was in the 14th century

Rhymes for courageous

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Browse Nearby Words

courage
courageous
courageously
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Cite this Entry

“Courageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courageous. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

courageous

adjective
cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce courageous (audio)
: having or marked by courage : brave
courageously adverb
courageousness noun

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