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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
If the case isn’t resolved by the end of the year, the statute of limitations expires. Robert Frank, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025 That puts Kia in a good position to accelerate its EV sales, but its cars are manufactured in Korea, so hopefully tariff negotiations are resolved by then to keep the price low. Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
Currently, there is no solid indication that Newcastle’s resolve will be tested. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 Rather than dwell on this possibility, or call for a halt to further investments until the federal funding picture resolves, supervisors instead took turns bidding Bergmann farewell and welcoming acting director Nadia Privara. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resolve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resolve
Verb
  • However Republicans decide to handle them, legislative experts say that’s where their attention will be focused.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Rudd agrees and, delighted by the experience, returns the favor for Samberg, who decides to don only a T-shirt for his portrait.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Years of investigation and interrogation failed to definitively solve the mystery of McPherson’s vanishing.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And it won’t be solved by job descriptions, dashboards, or top-down messaging.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The city is divided along sectarian lines: The south is home mostly to Sunni Muslims, while the northern neighborhoods are mostly Alawite.
    Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Passengers are divided on the appropriateness of removing shoes during flights, citing comfort versus hygiene and safety.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sustainable workplace culture change requires both determination and adaptability.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The song finds Wetmore shedding light on a childhood with a father battling against alcohol and pills, and Wetmore’s resulting desire and determination to forge a different path.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There are three temperature settings to choose from, and the cooling option works similarly to an ice roller—offering cooling benefits that soothe swelling, refresh tired eyes, and refine the look of pores.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • To learn more about fast internet, download and upload speeds, and for tips on choosing a speed without paying too much, check out our guide below.
    David Brinkerhoff, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The celebrated photographer captures a world already unravelling.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Is there anything remotely luxurious about a $5,000+ bag whose stitching begins to unravel after only a handful of wears?
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Since our family has been separated, I have been devastated and confused.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Those who have been separated from their belongings during the shooting will have the opportunity to retrieve them at a later date.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In a letter to the Trump administration, Blumenthal sought an accounting of how many visas have been revoked, the reasons cited for each one, and whether students were afforded due process to contest the decision.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This means the board will generally have a wide view from different sources of what the value of a deal should be worth and make a decision based on that.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resolve. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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