as in strength
strength of spirit; ability to continue despite difficulties
He showed his mettle as a fighter tonight with a heroic comeback.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
For those seeking out big adventures, zesty romps in nature that will test your mettle, look no further than Eleven’s hut-to-hut multi-day hiking journey.
—
Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
While both destinations are relatively close to the sun, the Red Planet’s global dust storms can bury solar panels, and the moon’s two-week-long lunar nights are cold enough to test the mettle of even the best batteries.
—Hannah Richter, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2025
In the weeks of searing grief following the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre, Orlando residents showed their true mettle, surging together to mourn and declaring the city to be a no-hate zone.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2025
Here are six experiences guaranteed to test your mettle.
—Scott Bay, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mettle
Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
While both destinations are relatively close to the sun, the Red Planet’s global dust storms can bury solar panels, and the moon’s two-week-long lunar nights are cold enough to test the mettle of even the best batteries.
—Hannah Richter, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2025
In the weeks of searing grief following the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre, Orlando residents showed their true mettle, surging together to mourn and declaring the city to be a no-hate zone.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2025
Here are six experiences guaranteed to test your mettle.
—Scott Bay, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mettle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettle
Noun
-
The strength of last year’s group was the secondary.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Plus, make sure to use weights that are appropriate for your current level of strength.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
By blending athlete-like stamina with surgeon-level dexterity, KAERI is charting a path toward robotic first responders capable of tackling nuclear, disaster, and industrial challenges with unmatched safety.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
-
After all, Miami seemingly has stamina to withstand searing heat after practicing in it all summer, while the opponent typically comes to town ill-prepared for the oppressive temperatures and humidity.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Expect spectacle, but also a story about claiming identity and embracing power.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Boise trustees have the unusual power to increase or decrease property tax collections.—
Kevin Richert,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Harry brought his trademark humor and warmth to the awards, a ceremony honoring seriously ill children who have shown incredible courage, joking and making smiles all around.—
Erin Hill,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The WellChild Awards, which celebrates the courage of seriously ill children and those who care for them, is sponsored by a charity Harry has long supported.—
Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettle. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share