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

Lindsey Desmet
Updated 06/05/2022
Military service members saluting in uniform

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.

  1. Up
    10
    Down
    ::

    Rugged

    having toughness and determination

  2. Up
    6
    Down
    ::

    Gritty

    having courage and resolve

  3. Up
    5
    Down
    ::

    Ace

    someone who excels at what they do

  4. Up
    12
    Down
    ::

    Brave

    having the courage to face danger or pain without fear

  5. Up
    11
    Down
    ::

    Loyal

    showing firm and constant support

  6. Up
    11
    Down
    ::

    Tough

    able to endure hardship and withstand harsh conditions

  7. Up
    12
    Down
    ::

    Selfless

    placing the needs of others above themselves

  8. Up
    8
    Down
    ::

    Valorous

    showing courage in the face of danger

  9. Up
    8
    Down
    ::

    Admirable

    deserving respect

  10. Up
    9
    Down
    ::

    Wise

    having experience and good judgment

  11. Up
    9
    Down
    ::

    Intrepid

    fearless

  12. Up
    6
    Down
    ::

    Commendable

    deserving praise

  13. Up
    6
    Down
    ::

    Ardent

    enthusiastic and passionate

  14. Up
    6
    Down
    ::

    Exemplary

    the best of their kind

  15. Up
    7
    Down
    ::

    Skilled

    well-trained to perform tasks with expertise

  16. Up
    8
    Down
    ::

    Fearless

    courageous

  17. Up
    9
    Down
    ::

    Expert

    having authoritative knowledge

  18. Up
    6
    Down
    ::

    Gallant

    brave

  19. Up
    6
    Down
    ::

    Seasoned

    experienced

  20. Up
    6
    Down
    ::

    Bold

    courageous and able to take risks

  21. Up
    9
    Down
    ::

    Adept

    proficient at their work

  22. Up
    3
    Down
    ::

    Strong

    able to withstand pressure

  23. Up
    3
    Down
    ::

    Doughty

    brave and persistent

  24. Up
    5
    Down
    ::

    Patriotic

    devoted to their country

  25. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Professional

    has authoritative knowledge and skills regarding military operations

  26. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Resolute

    purposeful and determined

  27. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Meritorious

    deserving praise

  28. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Courageous

    brave

  29. Up
    4
    Down
    ::

    Dutiful

    motivated by duty rather than personal desires

  30. Up
    3
    Down
    ::

    Proud

    satisfied with their achievements

  31. Up
    3
    Down
    ::

    Eager

    ready to take on the task

  32. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Lionhearted

    brave and determined

  33. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Valiant

    showing courage and determination

  34. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Honorable

    principled and worthy of praise

  35. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Audacious

    willing to take bold risks

  36. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Spirited

    energetic and enthusiastic

  37. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Experienced

    knowledgable and skilled

  38. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Heroic

    courageous

  39. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Allegiant

    loyal to their cause and country

  40. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Ambitious

    determined to succeed

  41. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Noble

    having high principles and ideals

  42. Up
    2
    Down
    ::

    Accomplished

    highly trained and skilled

  43. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Disciplined

    having controlled behavior and work ethic

  44. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Devoted

    loyal

  45. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Trained

    having been taught specific skills and behaviors through instruction and practice

  46. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Dependable

    trustworthy and reliable

  47. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Resilient

    able to withstand and recover from difficult situations

  48. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Laudable

    deserving praise

  49. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Steadfast

    unwavering

  50. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Mettlesome

    full of courage

  51. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Adventuresome

    willing to take risks

  52. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Unflinching

    fearless

  53. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Tenacious

    determined

  54. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Spartan

    disciplined

  55. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Staunch

    loyal and committed

  56. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Dauntless

    fearless and determined

  57. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Gutsy

    courageous and determined

  58. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Unwavering

    steady

  59. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Indomitable

    impossible to defeat

  60. Up
    1
    Down
    ::

    Daring

    adventurous

  61. Up
    0
    Down
    ::

    Undeterred

    persevering even in the face of setbacks

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 not because he hates what is in front of him, but 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
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