Definition of resolutenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resolute distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of resolute are constant, faithful, loyal, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use constant instead of resolute?

The meanings of constant and resolute largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

Where would faithful be a reasonable alternative to resolute?

While the synonyms faithful and resolute are close in meaning, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When can loyal be used instead of resolute?

While in some cases nearly identical to resolute, loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When could staunch be used to replace resolute?

In some situations, the words staunch and resolute are roughly equivalent. However, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

When might steadfast be a better fit than resolute?

The words steadfast and resolute are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

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 resolute The final communiqué was resolute, with defense budgets of NATO members finally rising and continued, generous humanitarian support for Ukraine celebrated with warm, shared applause. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2026 England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi. Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026 Spielberg has been resolute in his beliefs since before Disclosure Day entered production. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026 Manilow is resolute about getting back on stage. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • At first determined to capture him, little by little Araí starts to understand, and eventually, to identify with the villain.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Abel opens the wallet Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Greg Abel, who took over from Buffett at the start of the year, appears determined to put the record cash hoard amassed by Warren Buffett to work on buybacks and stock purchases.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But this week became the biggest sign yet that these businesses are intent on increasing their investments into preeminent sporting organizations.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Maresca seems intent on letting his team’s football do the talking, but perhaps one day that will change.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The 5th District saw more than double the amount of votes cast in its Congressional primary than in the 4th, and the gap in support between candidates was much more decisive.
    Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stern’s decisive response to the Malice at the Palace – the suspensions of the players as well as the punishments meted out to the fans – sent a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is confident about their chances of sealing promotion back to the top flight at the first opportunity but, ahead of Sunday’s away fixture, there are several talking points.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president of gas and LNG research at Wood Mackenzie, is also confident that Europe will avoid a dire scenario of energy shortages and blackouts.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ismaila Sarr’s start and goal in a 2-1 friendly win against Fulham last Friday is also a positive.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Because mortgage lenders often require these accounts to hold far more money than a single upcoming payment, these escrow accounts often carry large positive balances.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Leo Chenal’s snaps are up for grabs, but nobody in this room has done enough to make a firm call on who earns them.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Kesarwani was firm in her commitment to the Hopkins Street plan.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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