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.

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

Loyalties and fortitude are repeatedly tested in this immersive drama.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

She needed that mental fortitude in the build-up to the Games as a series of injuries - including a hip issue in October - hampered her preparations.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

“It is, above all, arduous, painstaking work that calls for an intense effort, perseverance, stamina, fortitude, will power, serious knowledge and great mastery.”

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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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