: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery
Did you know?
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
Rita was a symbol of quiet valor throughout The Handmaid’s Tale, and without her, the liberation of Boston would have never happened.
—
Barry Levitt, Time, 27 May 2025
Zelensky was left only able to show personal commitment and valor, and to offer to make the meeting a face-to-face with Putin, the man charged with war crimes against his nation.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
He was awarded four Bronze Stars, two for valor, USA TODAY previously reported.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
Sindoor's vibrant red color symbolizes feminine valor, power, courage, ferocity, compassion, and grace.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for valor
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Barry Levitt, Time, 27 May 2025
Zelensky was left only able to show personal commitment and valor, and to offer to make the meeting a face-to-face with Putin, the man charged with war crimes against his nation.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
He was awarded four Bronze Stars, two for valor, USA TODAY previously reported.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
Sindoor's vibrant red color symbolizes feminine valor, power, courage, ferocity, compassion, and grace.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for valor
Cite this Entry
“Valor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valor. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
valor
noun
val·or
ˈval-ər 
: personal bravery in the face of danger
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share