courageous
adjective
cou·ra·geous kə-ˈrā-jəs 
: having or characterized by courage : brave
a courageous soldier
a courageous decision
courageously adverb
courageousness noun
Synonyms
- bold
- brave
- dauntless
- doughty
- fearless
- gallant
- greathearted
- gutsy
- gutty
- heroic
- heroical
- intrepid
- lionhearted
- manful
- stalwart
- stout
- stouthearted
- undauntable
- undaunted
- valiant
- valorous
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes. the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order
Recent Examples on the Web Since then, French Mastiffs have solidified their reputation as watchful, easy-to-train pups who are loyal, courageous, and — above all — affectionate. 
Corinne Sullivan, Woman's Day, 6 Sep. 2022 In reality, being a romantic is edgy, resilient, courageous. Bolu Babalola, ELLE, 29 June 2022 Originally bred to herd the most stubborn sheep and cattle, the breed is courageous, alert and intelligent. cleveland, 18 June 2022 Stakeholders on every level (except maybe certain shareholders) prefer leaders that are courageous, transparent and empathetic. Raoul Davis, Forbes, 6 June 2022 The remaining population leaned toward the stubborn, the courageous, the hopeful, the deluded, and the poor. Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 2 May 2022 As in her previous relationships, Anaïs, courageous in her pursuit of pleasure, comes up against limitations, projections and practicalities. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2022 The women of Afghanistan continue to be the most courageous people on earth. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2022 Think Tunisia, and of course the incredibly courageous young people of Myanmar. David Rieff, The New Republic, 14 Apr. 2022 See More
Corinne Sullivan, Woman's Day, 6 Sep. 2022 In reality, being a romantic is edgy, resilient, courageous. Bolu Babalola, ELLE, 29 June 2022 Originally bred to herd the most stubborn sheep and cattle, the breed is courageous, alert and intelligent. cleveland, 18 June 2022 Stakeholders on every level (except maybe certain shareholders) prefer leaders that are courageous, transparent and empathetic. Raoul Davis, Forbes, 6 June 2022 The remaining population leaned toward the stubborn, the courageous, the hopeful, the deluded, and the poor. Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 2 May 2022 As in her previous relationships, Anaïs, courageous in her pursuit of pleasure, comes up against limitations, projections and practicalities. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2022 The women of Afghanistan continue to be the most courageous people on earth. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2022 Think Tunisia, and of course the incredibly courageous young people of Myanmar. David Rieff, The New Republic, 14 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English corageous, borrowed from Anglo-French corajus, from corage courage + -us, -ous -ous
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
courageous
adjective
cou·ra·geous kə-ˈrā-jəs
: having or showing the ability to meet danger and difficulties with firmness
courageousness
noun
as in courage
strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger the soldiers' exceptional courageousness was credited with saving the mission from near disaster Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- courage
- heroism
- bravery
- gallantry
- prowess
- valor
- nerve
- fearlessness
- daring
- stoutness
- intrepidity
- gutsiness
- intrepidness
- virtue
- hardihood
- dauntlessness
- daringness
- heart
- fortitude
- guts
- moxie
- determination
- stamina
- perseverance
- gumption
- pecker
- grit
- tenacity
- mettle
- spunk
- intestinal fortitude
- endurance
- greatheartedness
- boldness
- bottle
- backbone
- doughtiness
- pluckiness
- temper
- pluck
- audacity
- fiber
- resolution
- temerity
- effrontery
- stomach
- gall
- brazenness
- cojones
- cheek
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- cowardice
- cowardliness
- timidity
- fearfulness
- spinelessness
- timorousness
- softness
- faintheartedness
- feebleness
- weakness
- cravenness
- impotence
- dastardliness
- cold feet
- ineffectualness
- hesitation
- poltroonery
- irresolution
- indecision
- indecisiveness
- mousiness