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.

According to John Evans III, “keeping the business alive takes fortitude and hard work, but it’s a responsibility someone has to take on.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 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

Mental fortitude has been a problem for Scotland, but not for Glasgow.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

She’s like, “Oh, I have the mental fortitude to withstand this temporary blow.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

He flicks his rubber band as his eyes scan my body, mentally critiquing my lack of physical fortitude.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

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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