Definitions

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

Again, Townsend has gone with form and fortitude.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

To be fair, 2025 produced plenty of IPO doozies that investors would be wise to avoid until they demonstrate real technical fortitude.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

To make a life here, pioneers had to rely on faith, fortitude and family.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

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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