Synonyms of audacity

audacity

noun

ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē 

as in gall

shameless boldness

I can't believe she had the audacity to tell me to shut up!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gall
• nerve
• arrogance
• temerity
• effrontery
• chutzpah
• audaciousness
• brazenness
• confidence
• brashness
• presumption
• presumptuousness
• cheekiness
• face
• brass
• assurance
• crust
• pertness
• sauciness
• cheek
• sauce
• hardihood
• impudence
• disrespect
• nerviness
• brassiness
• insolence
• self-confidence
• self-assurance
• impertinence
• cockiness
• rudeness
• overconfidence
• inconsiderateness
• inconsideration
• incivility
• impoliteness
• sanguinity
• sass
• swagger
• back talk
• ungraciousness
• discourteousness
• swash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• timidity
• modesty
• hesitancy
• diffidence
• shyness
• bashfulness
• manners
• courtesy
• timorousness
• faintheartedness
• timidness
• graciousness
• civility
• gentility
• courteousness
• mannerliness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word audacity different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of audacity are cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When can effrontery be used instead of audacity?

The synonyms effrontery and audacity are sometimes interchangeable, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When might hardihood be a better fit than audacity?

The words hardihood and audacity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

How is nerve related to other words for audacity?

Nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy

has the cheek to call herself a singer

had the gall to demand proof

the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

When is temerity a more appropriate choice than audacity?

While the synonyms temerity and audacity are close in meaning, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of audacity

Status here is famously measured in horsepower and the audacity of one’s custom paintwork. —David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

The audacity involved in charging toward the most threatening rim protector in the world like a raging bull. —Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Was the omission classic Alcaraz audacity or a mere translation issue? —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026

One of the enlightened, somebody named Mike Freiberg, a DFL representative out Golden Valley way, had the audacity to author a bill that would reduce by 10 percent the aid sent by the state to any city that does not the fly the enlightened flag. —Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026