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.

1. Up

   9

   Down
   ::

   Ardent

   enthusiastic and passionate

2. Up

   17

   Down
   ::

   Rugged

   having toughness and determination

3. Up

   14

   Down
   ::

   Loyal

   showing firm and constant support

4. Up

   5

   Down
   ::

   Strong

   able to withstand pressure

5. Up

   10

   Down
   ::

   Exemplary

   the best of their kind

6. Up

   15

   Down
   ::

   Selfless

   placing the needs of others above themselves

7. Up

   11

   Down
   ::

   Valorous

   showing courage in the face of danger

8. Up

   11

   Down
   ::

   Intrepid

   fearless

9. Up

   13

   Down
   ::

   Tough

   able to endure hardship and withstand harsh conditions

10. Up

    10

    Down
    ::

    Fearless

    courageous

11. Up

    9

    Down
    ::

    Wise

    having experience and good judgment

12. Up

    9

    Down
    ::

    Admirable

    deserving respect

13. Up

    11

    Down
    ::

    Brave

    having the courage to face danger or pain without fear

14. Up

    7

    Down
    ::

    Seasoned

    experienced

15. Up

    8

    Down
    ::

    Bold

    courageous and able to take risks

16. Up

    9

    Down
    ::

    Expert

    having authoritative knowledge

17. Up

    5

    Down
    ::

    Resolute

    purposeful and determined

18. Up

    5

    Down
    ::

    Meritorious

    deserving praise

19. Up

    5

    Down
    ::

    Gritty

    having courage and resolve

20. Up

    6

    Down
    ::

    Gallant

    brave

21. Up

    9

    Down
    ::

    Adept

    proficient at their work

22. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Doughty

    brave and persistent

23. Up

    6

    Down
    ::

    Skilled

    well-trained to perform tasks with expertise

24. Up

    5

    Down
    ::

    Patriotic

    devoted to their country

25. Up

    5

    Down
    ::

    Dutiful

    motivated by duty rather than personal desires

26. Up

    5

    Down
    ::

    Commendable

    deserving praise

27. Up

    5

    Down
    ::

    Courageous

    brave

28. Up

    4

    Down
    ::

    Professional

    has authoritative knowledge and skills regarding military operations

29. Up

    4

    Down
    ::

    Heroic

    courageous

30. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Valiant

    showing courage and determination

31. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Honorable

    principled and worthy of praise

32. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Tenacious

    determined

33. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Noble

    having high principles and ideals

34. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Proud

    satisfied with their achievements

35. Up

    4

    Down
    ::

    Ace

    someone who excels at what they do

36. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Ambitious

    determined to succeed

37. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Experienced

    knowledgable and skilled

38. Up

    3

    Down
    ::

    Eager

    ready to take on the task

39. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Lionhearted

    brave and determined

40. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Audacious

    willing to take bold risks

41. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Spirited

    energetic and enthusiastic

42. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Accomplished

    highly trained and skilled

43. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Trained

    having been taught specific skills and behaviors through instruction and practice

44. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Allegiant

    loyal to their cause and country

45. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Dependable

    trustworthy and reliable

46. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Indomitable

    impossible to defeat

47. Up

    2

    Down
    ::

    Steadfast

    unwavering

48. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Disciplined

    having controlled behavior and work ethic

49. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Devoted

    loyal

50. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Undeterred

    persevering even in the face of setbacks

51. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Resilient

    able to withstand and recover from difficult situations

52. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Mettlesome

    full of courage

53. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Unflinching

    fearless

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
    ::

    Adventuresome

    willing to take risks

58. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Gutsy

    courageous and determined

59. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Unwavering

    steady

60. Up

    1

    Down
    ::

    Daring

    adventurous

61. 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