cheek

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cheek are audacity, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," 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 audacity a more appropriate choice than cheek?

In some situations, the words audacity and cheek are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When would effrontery be a good substitute for cheek?

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

outraged at his effrontery

When can hardihood be used instead of cheek?

While the synonyms hardihood and cheek are close in meaning, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When might temerity be a better fit than cheek?

The words temerity and cheek can be used in similar contexts, but 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 cheek However, this unique eye mask provides a soothing, cooling effect to the eyes, forehead, and even cheek area thanks to its gel bead filling. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 June 2025 The light thrown by candles and fires and bouncing off copper pots bathe the space in a cozy glow and lend fetching flushes to the cheek of every actor. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 June 2025 In a behind-the-scenes look on TikTok, she — again — highlighted the product, adding another layer to her cheeks before flashing a smile in the mirror. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 June 2025 For beauty, the actress kept her complexion fresh and wore rosy tones on her cheeks and lips for a pop of color. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cheek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheek
Noun
  • Both clubs were founded in the same working-class neighbourhood, known as the mouth of Buenos Aires.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • In response, the longtime reality TV star, 36, drew her hand to her mouth and started to cry.
    Chris Jordan, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Calcium keeps your bones, muscles, heart, and nerves working properly, but many adults do not get enough.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
  • Shortly after Toxic Town started production, Thorne and his partners brought Qureshi and her team another four-part drama that would hit the nerve of even more everyday people.
    Peter White, Deadline, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • The tail of the airplane is seen stuck in a building at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025.
    Hannah Parry Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • The study evaluated the total number of hiking trails, their popularity, and the average review of the tails, based on data from AllTrails.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • No disrespect to the Islanders, but skating alongside two of Artturi Lehkonen, Martin Necas, Nichushkin or a healthy Landeskog could be one of the best lines he’s ever played on.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 13 June 2025
  • No disrespect to the freezer aisle, but our favorite veggie burger ideas start with fresh ingredients—not prefab pucks.
    Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • The members of my party have the gall to request several of these demonic items from the livid waiter.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • Lia Thomas stole a medal through deceit, and this rag has the gall to call him a 'champion'?
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • With an overall length of 364-feet, beam of over 52-feet, and displacement of 4,550 gross tons, Y726 is one of the largest yachts by volume Oceanco has ever built.
    Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Excavations uncovered a section of wooden pipe built from three tree trunks and measuring over 3 feet across as well as some other beams and wicker used to construct the well.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Einstein lives up to her name with sass and smarts, the diva of the bunch.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The Innocents Abroad is written with a new curiosity and sass, unburdened by any lingering sense of inferiority to Europe.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • As Shildt came marching across the field, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts raced out of his dugout, and the two managers were face to face for a moment before being pulled away from each other.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
  • Courtesy and respect have become strategic advantages in the face of mounting press hostility.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheek. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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