METTLE Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mettle

noun

Definition of mettle next

as in strength

strength of spirit; ability to continue despite difficulties He showed his mettle as a fighter tonight with a heroic comeback.

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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

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Recent Examples of mettle At one time or another, all ardent skiers dream of a European vacation in order to test their mettle at some of the world’s greatest ski resorts. —

Roger Sands, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 Silver Creek took a 7-0 lead after one, but the Ravens showed mettle. —

Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2024 The iconic holiday tune proved its mettle once again, returning this week to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, an event her 13-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe commemorated Monday with a surprise flower delivery onstage in Raleigh, N.C. —

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024 October was much better, however, and involved two matches where Flick believes his young side proved its mettle. —

Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mettle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettle

Noun

Implement Regular Feedback Questionnaires Weekly or bi-weekly feedback questionnaires can help leaders identify areas of strength and support needed, offering valuable insights into employee needs.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Amidst these challenges, ‘Vallejo’ shines a light on the resilience of young athletes who find solace and strength on the baseball field.

— Katcy Stephan, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025