mettle

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.

The rookie showman is proving his mettle as part of the Caballero Circus, a five-generation family of performers, by enchanting audiences with his charismatic stage presence and sharp coordination.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

While that may be unfashionable in today’s world of prediction markets, cryptocurrencies, and highflying artificial-intelligence bets, Vanguard Wellington has long proven its mettle and is likely to keep doing so.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

He belongs to the so-called war generation—men who didn’t lead the revolution but tested their mettle in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Fighting talk from his players about the introspection sessions they have put themselves through since the implosions of the autumn were words that were not acted upon when the first test of their mettle arrived.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Some men, under the pressure of incarceration, showed true mettle, while others revealed themselves as less than what they had appeared to be.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela