Definition of audacitynext

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 The subjects appear to offer their likenesses without reserving an ounce of modesty; confidence and audacity steel their faces and poses. Bryan Barcena, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026 The thrill of music like this has less to do with its compositional merits than its hatfuls of Albarnian audacity. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026 In 2014, WeatherTech founder David MacNeil had the audacity to blow a large chunk of his marketing budget on his first Super Bowl spot, paying $4 million for the airtime to compete on TV’s biggest advertising stage. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 There are several virtuosic sequences, including the plane crash and Linda’s duel to the death with the boar, that fully justify the film’s R rating and induce laughter with their audacity. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for audacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for audacity
Noun
  • Imagine having the gall to besmirch the name of a young mother killed for trying to speak up for her neighbors or of an ICU nurse shot in the back for trying to tend to a woman who had been pepper-sprayed in the face.
    Sasha Abramsky, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The documents that Dooley was now handling were barely yellowed, their edges lightly frayed, the oak gall ink ranging from brown to black.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But then comes the skiing, which is typically more nerve-wracking and stressful and woowee!
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The resulting video with White hit a nerve.
    Ryan Brennan March 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Too few compliments make kids feel slighted, while too many can inspire arrogance.
    Wayne Parker, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Adam McKay’s toxically smug dissection of Dick Cheney fails to take the full measure of this monstrous vice-president, but even so, Bale taps into something elemental about the man’s arrogance and domineering personality.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For the second time this season, Gordon refused to give way when a Newcastle team-mate had the temerity to suggest someone else might have a go.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • And Zelensky just hasn’t backed down, and Zelensky’s had the temerity to take him on, on a number of occasions, to push back.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Audacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/audacity. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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