Top 61 Words to Describe and Honor Veterans (Curated & Ranked)

The United States Census Bureau reports that around 18 million U.S. veterans live in the country, about 7% of the adult population.

Our veterans range in age from 18 years old to over 100 and have served in conflicts dating back to World War II.

We celebrate veterans on November 11 each year — a holiday renamed from “Armistice Day” to “Veterans Day” by President Eisenhower in 1954.

But every day is a good day to show appreciation and support for veterans!

Below, we list the words that describe veterans, plus share some famous quotes that honor them.

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Words to Describe and Honor Veterans

Up
11
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Ardent
enthusiastic and passionate
Up
17
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Rugged
having toughness and determination
Up
14
Down
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Loyal
showing firm and constant support
Up
5
Down
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Strong
able to withstand pressure
Up
10
Down
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Exemplary
the best of their kind
Up
15
Down
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Selfless
placing the needs of others above themselves
Up
11
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Valorous
showing courage in the face of danger
Up
11
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Intrepid
fearless
Up
13
Down
::
Tough
able to endure hardship and withstand harsh conditions
Up
10
Down
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Fearless
courageous
Up
9
Down
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Wise
having experience and good judgment
Up
9
Down
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Admirable
deserving respect
Up
11
Down
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Brave
having the courage to face danger or pain without fear
Up
7
Down
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Seasoned
experienced
Up
8
Down
::
Bold
courageous and able to take risks
Up
9
Down
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Expert
having authoritative knowledge
Up
5
Down
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Resolute
purposeful and determined
Up
5
Down
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Meritorious
deserving praise
Up
5
Down
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Gritty
having courage and resolve
Up
6
Down
::
Gallant
brave
Up
9
Down
::
Adept
proficient at their work
Up
3
Down
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Doughty
brave and persistent
Up
6
Down
::
Skilled
well-trained to perform tasks with expertise
Up
5
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Patriotic
devoted to their country
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5
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Dutiful
motivated by duty rather than personal desires
Up
5
Down
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Commendable
deserving praise
Up
5
Down
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Courageous
brave
Up
4
Down
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Professional
has authoritative knowledge and skills regarding military operations
Up
4
Down
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Heroic
courageous
Up
3
Down
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Valiant
showing courage and determination
Up
3
Down
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Honorable
principled and worthy of praise
Up
2
Down
::
Tenacious
determined
Up
3
Down
::
Noble
having high principles and ideals
Up
3
Down
::
Proud
satisfied with their achievements
Up
4
Down
::
Ace
someone who excels at what they do
Up
3
Down
::
Ambitious
determined to succeed
Up
3
Down
::
Experienced
knowledgable and skilled
Up
3
Down
::
Eager
ready to take on the task
Up
2
Down
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Lionhearted
brave and determined
Up
2
Down
::
Audacious
willing to take bold risks
Up
2
Down
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Spirited
energetic and enthusiastic
Up
2
Down
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Accomplished
highly trained and skilled
Up
2
Down
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Trained
having been taught specific skills and behaviors through instruction and practice
Up
2
Down
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Allegiant
loyal to their cause and country
Up
2
Down
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Dependable
trustworthy and reliable
Up
2
Down
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Indomitable
impossible to defeat
Up
2
Down
::
Steadfast
unwavering
Up
1
Down
::
Disciplined
having controlled behavior and work ethic
Up
1
Down
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Devoted
loyal
Up
1
Down
::
Undeterred
persevering even in the face of setbacks
Up
1
Down
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Resilient
able to withstand and recover from difficult situations
Up
1
Down
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Mettlesome
full of courage
Up
1
Down
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Unflinching
fearless
Up
1
Down
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Spartan
disciplined
Up
1
Down
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Staunch
loyal and committed
Up
1
Down
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Dauntless
fearless and determined
Up
1
Down
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Adventuresome
willing to take risks
Up
1
Down
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Gutsy
courageous and determined
Up
1
Down
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Unwavering
steady
Up
1
Down
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Daring
adventurous
Up
0
Down
::
Laudable
deserving praise

Quotes to Honor Veterans

The adjectives above can help you describe veterans, but there are also plenty of great quotes to pay tribute to veterans.

We list some of the most well-known and honorable quotes below.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” – President Harry S. Truman
“There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” – Nick Lampson
“The true soldier fights […] because he loves what is behind him.” – G. K. Chesterton
“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” – Douglas MacArthur
“Here men endured that a nation might live.” – President Herbert Hoover
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
“The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.” – Judd Gregg
“America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.” – Claudia Pemberton
“Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.” – Mary Roach
“Let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.” – Dan Lipinski