Synonyms

valor

American

[val-er] / ˈvæl ər /

especially British, valour

noun

boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery.

a medal for valor.

Synonyms:

spirit, intrepidity

Antonyms:

cowardice

valor Idioms

see discretion is the better part of valor.

Related Words

See courage.

Etymology

Origin of valor

1350–1400; Middle English valo ( u ) r < Anglo-French; Middle French valeur < Late Latin valōr-, stem of valor worth, equivalent to Latin val ( ēre ) to be of worth + -or -or ¹

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.

As a marine, Mueller earned a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

From Barron's

His valor is worth remembering on its merits, and the history is instructive about the threats now facing the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

The valor comes when she picks her chopsticks up.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Le Tellier became obsessed with excavating the past of this unknown man, an inquiry that poignantly revives the valor and tragedy of World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is militarily, politically and even intellectually enlightening, but is more deliberately about selflessness and valor, not an inappropriate offering for Veterans Day.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023