impudence

noun

im·​pu·​dence ˈim-pyə-dən(t)s How to pronounce impudence (audio)
: the quality or state of being impudent

Examples of impudence in a Sentence

my mother would not tolerate impudence from any of us their impudence irritated everyone at the wedding reception
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That said, James Cameron's epic reaches the pinnacle of disaster-movie impudence with the distasteful suggestion that the most celebrated tragedy of the 20th century occurred because a few lookouts were distracted by Kate and Leo sucking face. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025 But it’s got impudence and élan, and a feeling for life on the margins of English society. Dwight Garner, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025 Such calls for regulatory actions against short sellers are all based on the assumption that short selling is nefarious — that daring to take a negative view of a company’s stock is tantamount to market manipulation, especially if the short sellers have the impudence to publicize their viewpoint. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2023 For many enslaved people, a mistress’s complaint of impudence could end in a beating. Cynthia Greenlee, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for impudence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impudence was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impudence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impudence. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

impudence

noun
im·​pu·​dence ˈim-pyəd-ən(t)s How to pronounce impudence (audio)
: impudent behavior or speech : insolence, disrespect

More from Merriam-Webster on impudence

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