fortitude

[fawr-ti-tood, -tyood] / ˈfɔr tɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

NOUN

strength of mind; guts

Synonyms

STRONGEST

boldness bravery courage determination endurance fearlessness firmness grit mettle moxie nerve patience perseverance pluck spunk stamina staying power tenacity valor

STRONG

backbone braveness constancy courageousness dauntlessness gutsiness hardihood heart intrepidity pith resoluteness resolution spine spirit starch stomach stoutheartedness valiancy valorousness

WEAK

stick-to-itiveness true grit what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathy cowardice fear irresolution laziness lethargy timidity weakness

WEAK

helplessness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prussia’s fortitude was especially significant for Washington’s countrymen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

But it certainly makes him look cowardly that he can’t even muster the fortitude to say it in public, much less to his boss’s face.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

As an immigrant directly from Korea, Chang showed him the fortitude of structure amid her community.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

"As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead fortitude."

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

She endured the persecutions heaped upon her by the Government with exemplary fortitude and never wavered from her commitment to the freedom struggle.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing fortitude

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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100 Top "SAT" Words

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Grade 9, List 1

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