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 closest thing that comes to mind is probably Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, although this is Malick by way of Jane Campion and Michael Haneke, shifting between fleeting coming-of-age moments and scenes of resolute darkness and human cruelty. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 It was never sold in the U.S. thanks to the unwavering objections of a resolute reviewer at the FDA named Frances Oldham Kelsey. David Armstrong, CNN Money, 10 May 2025 While China has been resolute in opposing American economic pressures, imposing retaliatory tariffs of its own on American goods alongside export controls on rare earths, rhetoric between the two nations has softened in recent days. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 His impassioned speeches, sharp intellect and militant stance on Black empowerment offered a resolute counterpoint to the integrationist messages of the era. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolute
Adjective
  • Administration officials and leaders of the emerging military tech sector are determined to get rid of excess regulations that slow the development and production of new weapons systems.
    William Hartung, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The money funded the Huntington’s research programs, and the institution is nonetheless determined to honor its awards to this year’s recipients.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Congress hasn’t so much been defeated as surrendered, one majority at a time — and Trump is intent on taking all the spoils won by his predecessors’ 50-year siege.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
  • On hand are four paranormal investigators intent to solve the mysterious disappearance of a family from a manor where something otherworldly has taken place.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the decisive third set, Sabalenka double-faulted to give Gauff a break for 2-1. Gauff led 3-1 and had break points for 4-1 but Sabalenka held and then broke for 3-all.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • In the seventh, San Francisco landed its decisive blow.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • But negative feelings are running high across all sectors; the most confident sector in April was construction, and that was down nearly 4 points from January.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Battled-hardened and confident from winning the Premier League, and on the verge of a ludicrously successful transfer window.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Experiences, both positive and negative, have to be endured.
    Shotgun Spratling, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • If that kind of freaks you out, keep this in mind: The right diet can have a positive impact on aging—and that includes the aging brain.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Brands that want to thrive must set firmer boundaries with retailers and platforms and refuse arrangements that jeopardize their financial or creative independence.
    Adam Ayers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Density Options: For custom comfort, many pillows offer soft, medium, and firm densities.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolute. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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