fortitude

[fawr-ti-tood, -tyood] / ˈfɔr tɪˌtud, -ˌtjud /

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.

“What struck me in researching this book was the perseverance, fortitude and tenacity that these families show. So many people would have thrown up their hands and given up,” Butts said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Offa’s successors appear to have lacked his fortitude.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

We face these kind of attacks and these incidents with great fortitude.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Surrey, having copped the worst of the conditions early in the match, showed the fortitude and skill not to lose it.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 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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