cheek

Definition of cheeknext
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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 The new Kiss & Blush Lip & Cheek Balm from The Crème Shop is a pigmented salve designed to give a pop of color to your cheeks and your pout. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026 Before taking his starting position, Malinin filled his cheeks with air and exhaled deeply several times. Alice Park, Time, 11 Feb. 2026 These tests are easier to confirm and require either a saliva sample in a cup or a swab of the inside of your cheek. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Robbie’s character, Cathy, appears with soft, balmy lips and noticeably flushed cheeks. Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheek
Noun
  • My cat was startled by a loud noise from outside and ran across the apartment with the needle in her mouth.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
  • My mouth and nose were burning all day, and I was only exposed to minor residue.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For the first time, the researchers demonstrated that human spinal cord organoids can reproduce the formation of dense glial scars, which block nerve regeneration.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Clarke’s team also simplified the electrical architecture that serves as the nerve system of the EV.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The insects feed on organic matter and use a tail-like bodies to jump, appearing as dark, pepper-like specs in the snow.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 Feb. 2026
  • In an era where artistic metrics are splintered between box office, streaming and the long tail of cultural chatter, Merino still believes in the old ritual.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • However, walking out of class demonstrates disrespect to the teachers who care for their well-being and support these students on a daily basis.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The stakes may differ, but the disrespect for local authority remains the same.
    Joshua Simmons, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
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
  • Make your vehicle visible to others both ahead of you and behind you by using your low-beam headlights since this means your taillights will also be on.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The GranSport 38 can host up to 12 guests across five cabins (as well as room for seven crew), including a full-beam owner’s suite that opens up to the water.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Okay, Joy, get in there with the sass!
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Her sass pretty much sealed the deal on our guesses.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the concerns, Beijing sees an opening as Western leaders recalibrate their foreign policy in the face of a shifting relationship with the US.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Some staff are said to prioritize the friendly faces and recurring guests of the club— but what space isn’t?
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheek. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cheek

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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