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valor

noun
val·​or | \ ˈva-lÉ™r How to pronounce valor (audio) \

Definition of valor

: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery
Synonyms & Antonyms When Should You Use valor? Example Sentences Learn More about valor

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When Should You Use valor?

Valor in uniform is still rewarded by medals. Many American civic organizations award a Medal of Valor for physical courage, and the Air Force Medal of Honor displays the single word "Valor". The somewhat old-fashioned adjective valorous more often describes warriors of the past. But valiant is still in common use, though it less often describes military courage than other kinds of bravery or effort.

Examples of valor in a Sentence

The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor. the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor

Recent Examples on the Web

 At a White House ceremony six years after Biden’s visit, White stood at attention as President Barack Obama placed a Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, around his neck. — Matt Viser, BostonGlobe.com, "As he campaigns for president, Joe Biden tells a moving but false war story," 29 Aug. 2019 At a White House ceremony six years after Biden's visit, White stood at attention as President Barack Obama placed a Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor, around his neck. — Author: Matt Viser, Greg Jaffe, Anchorage Daily News, "As he campaigns for president, Joe Biden tells a moving but false war story," 29 Aug. 2019 Stolen valor: Fake Marine gave serial killer suspect a home. — Traci Rosenbaum, USA TODAY, "2 men who lied about military service must wear sign that says 'I am a liar,' judge rules," 27 Aug. 2019 Thanks to the one true moment of valor, Billy’s little step-sister Max (Sadie Sink) tearfully mourns over his dead body. — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "Here's Who Definitely Died In The Stranger Things 3 Finale," 5 July 2019 In the eyes of Salesforce founder Marc Benioff, discretion clearly is not the better part of valor. — John King, SFChronicle.com, "Goodbye, San Francisco. Hello, Brandopolis," 30 June 2019 Michael P Murphy, a Navy Seal and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his distinguished acts of valor during the war in Afghanistan. Lt. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "This Is What Luke Parker's Been Up To in His Post-'Bachelorette' Life," 24 June 2019 The honor comes after the Pentagon reviewed cases and determined his prior Silver Star award should be upgraded based on his acts of valor, the military said in a news release ahead of Wednesday's ceremony. — Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, "His platoon was ambushed by enemy fire. What Army medic did next earned him award for heroism," 5 June 2019 There was someone else in the gym that night who was unusually qualified to appreciate Moss’s display of valor. — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "The Few. The Proud. The Players Who Have Been Run Over by Zion Williamson.," 5 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of valor

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for valor

Middle English valour "worth, worthiness, bravery," borrowed from Anglo-French valor, valur, inherited or borrowed from early Medieval Latin valor, from Latin val- (stem of validus "in good health, robust, having legal authority," valēre "to be well, have strength") + -or, noun suffix — more at valid, wield

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More Definitions for valor

valor

noun
How to pronounce valor (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of valor

literary : courage or bravery

See the full definition for valor in the English Language Learners Dictionary

valor

noun
val·​or | \ ˈva-lÉ™r How to pronounce valor (audio) \

Kids Definition of valor

: courage … the strange dog, no matter what the breed or valor, swiftly acknowledged Buck's supremacy …— Jack London, The Call of the Wild

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More from Merriam-Webster on valor

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with valor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for valor

Spanish Central: Translation of valor

Nglish: Translation of valor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of valor for Arabic Speakers

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