mettle

[met-l] / ˈmɛt l /

NOUN

boldness, strength of character

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bravery caliber courage fortitude grit spunk stamina temperament

STRONG

animation ardor arete backbone daring dauntlessness disposition energy fire force gallantry gameness guts hardihood heart indomitability kidney life makeup moxie nature nerve pluck quality resolution resolve spirit stamp starch temper valor vigor vitality

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cowardice timidity weakness

STRONG

apathy dullness fear idleness inactivity indecision lethargy powerlessness question

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.

Members no longer need to hold the floor and talk nonstop, testing not just the power of their argument but their physical mettle and bladder control.

From Los Angeles Times

But the real test of someone’s mettle isn’t how ripped they are but whether they can handle the complexities of a world that hasn’t been sculpted to shield their egos.

From Salon

He pioneered a style whereby callers had to be on their mettle because he was known to treat them in the same way he would treat a politician.

From BBC

And Su will need to prove her mettle in a less familiar set of roles: as a saleswoman, dealmaker and lobbyist.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now comes the hardest bit - the biggest test of their mettle to move another step closer to the greatest dream of them all.

From BBC

mettle

Example Sentences

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