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 Her cheeks are covered with light freckles that intensify down her neck and into the collar of her uniform. Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025 A little bit softer on the cheeks and a nice pop on the lips. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025 Estrogen gave her smooth cheeks and wider hips but left her voice untouched. James Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 The calendar includes fan favorites like Benefit’s Hoola bronzer, Benetint lip and cheek stain, and a variety of beauty must-haves like mascaras, brow products, and more. Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cheek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheek
Noun
  • Charlamagne is the mouth, Dollie is the muscle — the one who makes sure ideas turn into institutions.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The picture shows the poster holding the feline’s mouth open with their hands to get a clear shot of his gums, which, in the clip, appear covered in small brown spots, both on the upper and lower parts.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But, at a moment when big narrative audio studios are shuttering, loads of people are being laid off and fewer documentary series are being made, this sentence really struck a nerve in the industry of folks who produce, write, edit and sound design longform narrative audio.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • New York — Tech stocks took a bruising this week as nerves persist about expensive valuations and a potential artificial intelligence bubble.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Viewers were able to see the hilarious shot of Jinky in the bath quickly cut to a very telling scene of the same dog bounding into a marshland or small lake, tail wagging, body splashing through mud and water in total ecstasy.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The manner in which Miller kept the remains showed disrespect, Carpenter said.
    Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The dissonance between their bacchanalian ritual and Adelaida’s silent, solitary suffering is marked, and the disrespect for the dead further underlined when a gravedigger tersely shoos her away from the graveside, reminding her that the area is unsafe, especially at nightfall.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their unlikely friendship ended in February 1987, when Warhol died suddenly after a complicated gall bladder operation.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The ability of the Broncos’ core four pass-rushers up front to win one-on-ones — Cooper, NFL sack leader Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, Franklin-Myers — and the secondary’s ability to win in man coverage on the back-end has given coordinator Vance Joseph the ingredients and the gall of a mad scientist.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Never use your high-beam lights.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The flame-wielder is a tough match for Mecha Man, necessitating some extrajudicial aggression as Robert lops off two of his opponent’s fingers with a beam saber.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Since its first drink in 1954, Harry's Banana Farm in the West Palm Beach area of Florida has been serving up well drinks and plenty of sass, which can usually be seen on the ever-changing and cheekily phrased marquee sign out front.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Signs of sass becoming a problem include growling or snapping, guarding objects, ignoring basic commands persistently, or biting and destroying items.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But special moments in special seasons bloom when least expected, and Cooper smiled in the face of the impossible.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But in today’s world of digital creators, those seeking fame face competition in a way Khan’s generation never could have imagined.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheek. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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