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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb resolve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resolve are decide, determine, rule, and settle. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

When might decide be a better fit than resolve?

In some situations, the words decide and resolve are roughly equivalent. However, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When could determine be used to replace resolve?

Although the words determine and resolve have much in common, determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When is it sensible to use rule instead of resolve?

The words rule and resolve can be used in similar contexts, but rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

When would settle be a good substitute for resolve?

While the synonyms settle and resolve are close in meaning, settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

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 resolve
Verb
Cognitive dissonance is about resolving conflicts in information by choosing what is most comfortable. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 That case was eventually resolved, but not before X created an entire X account dedicated to harassing the Brazilian judge. Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
When looking through the archives, Reitan found evidence of the women’s resolve. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2025 As Paige Bueckers enters her final college season, there's a strong resolve to guide UConn back to the top. Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve
Verb
  • Connie Stevens has put her house in a gated suburban enclave of Los Angeles up for sale, while Muse frontman Matt Bellamy and Wonder Woman director Patty Stevens have also decided to say goodbye to their deluxe digs in other parts of the city.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Speaker Mike Johnson decided to plow ahead with the vote on the budget blueprint on Wednesday evening, despite opposition from several rank-and-file Republican lawmakers.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Even in tools available today, programs that can generate artwork and solve coding problems are among the most popular.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
  • It had been stated before, that Starfleet ships in the 23rd century didn’t have holodecks, but suddenly here is one — that grid pattern is unmistakable — and the crew seems to be using it to solve a whodunnit, Christie-style.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The appeals court divided 2-1 in turning down the government's request to halt Boasberg's directive.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration reportedly calculated the tariff by dividing the trade deficit ($7.4 billion) by the value of imports to America ($22.2 billion) and then essentially halving the figure to reach 17%.
    Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Taking on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena is undoubtedly a tough challenge, one requiring visitors to have a combination of quality, gritty determination and a little luck.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The committee considers several factors, when making its determinations, including real income, payroll employment, consumer spending, industrial production and gross domestic product.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Mazin chose to use this challenge in Season 2 rather than gloss over it.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Apr. 2025
  • When asked to reflect broadly on his career, Paul chose to look back in pride.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As secrets unravel, the play explores themes of power, gender roles and the tragic consequences of societal expectations in the late 19th century.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • But all that unraveled in the final quarter of 2023, leaving Neves, and his remaining investors, out of pocket.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the video game, as with the series, a five-year gap separates the two narrative installments, with main character Ellie jumping from 14 years old to 19 and putting on a good deal of muscle and height between that time.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The sleeping space is separated from the living room and kitchen by an arched wall, making this a good option for couples who don’t fear an open plan.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Freire defended his title twice before dropping a decision to Daniel Straus in November 2015.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Now consider what happens with AI either self-justifying a bad response or being unable to make a decision fast enough.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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