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 Vine leaves were stuffed with grouper cheeks, roasted apricots, and caper leaves. Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2025 Carolina Parakeet The Carolina parakeet was the only parrot species native to the eastern United States, known for its vibrant green plumage, yellow cheeks and a distinct orange-yellow crown. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Next, this tooth-lens is surgically embedded into the patient's cheek for about three months, during which time a layer of tissue grows around it. New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025 In addition, a patch of skin is taken from inside the patient's cheek, and sewn onto the eye beneath the eyelid. New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cheek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheek
Noun
  • Weinstein often looked haggard and out of it — unshaven, mouth ajar, eyes bleary.
    Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, their mouth parts are made for primarily sucking on plant sap.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Following a diabetic-friendly diet can help control blood glucose levels and prevent complications such as kidney, nerve, and eye damage.3 Can People With Diabetes Eat Bananas?
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Parasympathetic nerves emerge in the brain and brainstem, and sympathetic nerves arise from the spinal cord.
    Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the video Millie was confidently walking along a park path, her own leash in her mouth, tail wagging, and clearly enjoying the freedom of a spring stroll.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • It's thought that the solar maximum occurred in October 2024, according to scientists at NOAA and NASA, though the tail of the peak can often bring with it intense magnetic activity.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • April 21, 2025 Regardless of one’s position on the war in Ukraine, the president has shown a stunning disrespect for a world leader, an unprecedented bow to Russia’s leader, and a complete disregard for diplomacy.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The vice president accused Ukraine's leader of showing disrespect to the president and of insufficient gratitude to the U.S. for its help.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Our study also identified other risks, including low blood pressure, sleep problems, headaches, formation of kidney stones, and gall bladder disease and diseases associated with the bile ducts.
    Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Coordinators have rarely had the gall to try to run it in those spots, but the Lions did and scored.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In a photo at the end of the reel, Shea stands in a pink shirt while Loubet, in a tuxedo, beams beside him.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Once the creatures were warmed back up, the parts of the ice layer that had not been exposed to the beam sublimated away, and the pattern was preserved on the tardigrade's surface, even after the creatures were rehydrated.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This vibrant fruity floral packs a whole lot of sass into one tiny bottle.
    Mary Honkus, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Known for her problem-solving skills, quick thinking, and a touch of sass—which often help the gang overcome challenges.
    Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But markets are betting on more stimulus being rolled out soon in the face of the escalating China-U.S. trade war.
    Hannah Lang and Rae Wee, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Kandi Burruss, Ace, And Blaze Actress and singer Kandi Burruss was a part of the photo shoot gang too this Easter and shared images of herself making silly faces with her minis Ace and Blaze Tucker.
    Essence, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheek. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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