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

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.
Recent Examples of audacity Absurdity and audacity are key factors in the musical, taking the story to an even grander level of farce. Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 But the remix leveled the playing field, and the audacity of slotting two men on a song about appreciating a man’s appearance wasn’t lost here. Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 Only the bold have the audacity to improve on a winner. Michael Odell, Air Mail, 10 Apr. 2025 That audacity transcends into looks that embolden—and set our personality apart from the rest. Essence, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for audacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for audacity
Noun
  • Her gall bladder and a large part of her liver were removed, according to a review of her medical records by The Times.
    Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • By Nicholas Lemann Among Joe Biden’s afflictions and miseries, his wormwood and gall, there are the insults (about his diminished capacities), and then there are the compliments unpaid (about his achievements).
    Ian Crouch, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Two years later — after moving out of the house and into the garage — Ellie is working up the nerve to tackle her issue with Joel head-on.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • Inflammation makes the corneal nerves more sensitive in people with dry eyes.
    Sarah Hudgens, Health, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The Knicks have pulled it off by being resilient, near perfect in spurts and with the help of arrogance from the opponent.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • And to think, Nuggets interim coach David Adelman had the temerity to take the Clippers to task before Thursday night’s game at the Intuit Dome.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Malek has the temerity to play the character as a real nerd, which is to say someone who’s not immediately endearing.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Audacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/audacity. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on audacity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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