Valiant

adj.resilient, capableliterary

What it means

Showing determined courage in the face of danger or serious difficulty.

Reach for it when honoring brave effort, especially when the outcome was uncertain or unsuccessful

The valiant crew kept searching until rising water made another pass impossible.

playful
plucky
when an underdog's cheerful courage deserves affectionate praise
not when Plucky can patronize an adult or diminish a grave struggle.
everyday
bold
when conspicuous risk-taking is the notable feature
not when Bold may praise a gamble without establishing courage or a worthy purpose.
everyday
brave
when clear courage deserves a familiar word
not when Brave is broader and less ceremonial than valiant, which often honors a difficult effort.
professional
courageous
when acting well despite fear is the precise praise
not when Courageous focuses on character or action, not the noble striving suggested by valiant.
formal
intrepid
when fearless adventure through danger is central
not when Intrepid suits explorers and hazardous action better than moral courage in a meeting.
formal
noble
when moral elevation matters more than physical bravery
not when Noble conduct can be generous and principled without facing danger.
literary
gallant
when brave conduct has chivalrous or spirited grace
not when Gallant can sound archaic or gendered, and sometimes means merely courteous.
literary
heroic
when exceptional sacrifice or lifesaving action merits the strongest praise
not when Heroic is inflated for ordinary persistence and can erase the work of a whole team.

valiant effort
The valiant effort did not save the old bridge, but it protected every nearby home.
valiant attempt
Her valiant attempt carried the team to the final round against far greater resources.
valiant defender
The book remembers each valiant defender without turning the battle into spectacle.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.