Resolute comes from the same Latin verb as resolved, and the two words are often synonyms. So how did it get this meaning from the Latin? Essentially, when you resolve a question or problem, you come to a conclusion, and once you've reached a conclusion you can proceed to act. So in your New Year's resolutions, you resolve—or make up your mind—to do something. Unfortunately, New Year's resolutions aren't a good illustration of the meaning of resolute, since only about one in ten actually seems to succeed.
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
loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.
remained loyal to the czar
constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.
constant friends
staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.
a staunch defender of free speech
steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.
steadfast in their support
resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.
a resolute ally
Examples of resolute in a Sentence
Adjective
She is a resolute competitor.
He has remained resolute in his opposition to the bill.
a leader with a stern and resolute manner
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner.—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 Garland shared the duo’s resolute ethic while appearing at a Los Angeles panel alongside Mendoza (and D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, who portrays Mendoza with a convincing stoicism that arose from his inquiries into the concerted memories of the SEAL’s battle mates).—Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025 On the invasion’s somber anniversary, European leaders and other Western allies descended on Kyiv to demonstrate their resolute support and pledge more money and military assistance to Ukraine.—Kim Barker, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side In the big-screen adaptation of this true story, Sandra Bullock played Leigh Anne Tuohy, the resolute Southern mother who adopts teen Michael Oher.—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolute
Share