What is the antonym of "craven"?

The word "craven" refers to someone who is cowardly or lacking in courage. Therefore, an appropriate antonym would be a word that embodies the opposite quality of bravery and boldness. "Courageous" signifies having or showing courage, making it the direct opposite of "craven."

In contrast, terms like "timid," "defensive," and "bashful" relate more to shyness or a hesitance that does not necessarily reflect courage. While "timid" and "bashful" denote a lack of confidence or unwillingness to engage, they do not have the same strong implication of bravery that "courageous" does. "Defensive" suggests a protective or guarded stance rather than directly opposing cowardice. Thus, "courageous" stands out as the clear antonym, representing strength in the face of fear.