mettle

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mettle distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of mettle are courage, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean "mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship," mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

When can courage be used instead of mettle?

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

The words resolution and mettle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

When might spirit be a better fit than mettle?

The meanings of spirit and mettle largely overlap; however, 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 do tenacity and resolution relate to one another, in the sense of mettle?

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 mettle Tennessee is still favored in this one, but its mettle will be tested if shots aren’t falling early. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025 Indeed, the next few weeks are a test of Trump’s mettle and credibility. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Too bad that Lilian, upset, had not had the mettle to let their lunch wind down with good etiquette and cool leisure. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025 Now, the Thunder are basically in a must-win situation on the road in Denver, facing a team with championship mettle. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mettle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettle
Noun
  • That study showed that the AI interaction significantly reduced the strength of those beliefs, even two months later.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
  • Only two years prior, Zoe highlighted the strength of their bond while celebrating their 31st anniversary.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Investing In Neurotechnology-Based Solutions: Emerging tools like neurofeedback (i.e., real-time brain training based on EEG data) are gaining interest as non-invasive methods to enhance focus, regulate emotions, and build attention stamina over time.
    Ofer Lidsky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Casey ranks exceptionally high in stamina (94), strength (93) and injury (95), with a score closer to 99 indicating a player is less likely to get injured.
    Shaun Goodwin July 14, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Matt Mercer will be the Game Master for the first four shows, while Travis Willingham will take on the seat and the power of the GM for the first time in Dallas.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Both political parties have tested the line in trying to harness the power of the pulpit, with many Republicans wooing evangelical leaders while Democrats often try to curry favor with Black churches.
    Tiffany Li, ABC News, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Representing someone who could face capital punishment requires a unique combination of experience, courage and dedication, said Bob Boruchowitz, longtime director of the Defender Initiative at Seattle University’s law school.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2025
  • Trapped in the depths of the ocean, surrounded by sharks and with a ruthless enemy lurking above, Tatiana – the lead role played by Marano – must use all her wit and courage to survive and save her friends.
    Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 17 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettle. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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