CHEEKINESS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

cheekiness

noun

Definition of cheekiness

as in nerve

shameless boldness the cheekiness of the restaurant's demand that we pay for unordered food was breathtaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 cheekiness Sure, Tony goes through yet another rebirth cycle, (as does every hero in their origin story film), but the film’s cheekiness makes that trope feel fresh and fun once again. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 The rear has a bit of cheekiness without going overboard, and the top offers full coverage. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 July 2026 Even its occasional attempts at campy tongue-in-cheekiness seldom raise more than a titter. — Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 Aside from speaking in a period-appropriate tone with the right inflections, Cage infused his performance with a certain cheekiness. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 The cheekiness, the humor, but the real humanity too. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025 The split hem on the pencil skirt also adds a bit of cheekiness to the dress. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025 There’s an athleticism and a cheekiness to the Hoggett school of stage movement — the street is always present, along with pinches of parkour, blended with elements of more traditional dance that would probably make a real posse of youths roll their eyes. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025 Expect toffee-toned sweetness twisted with fruity cheekiness. — Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheekiness

Noun

Jeong-yo, who can no longer play the piano due to nerve damage from when he was shot, wants to work with Pi-o.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
His particular cancer also surrounds his pulmonary artery, which contains a nerve connected directly to the vocal cords.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of nerve

Noun

Kari was confined to a wheelchair and had to have her gall bladder removed.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Avicii was hospitalized for health issues throughout his lifetime, and increased alcohol consumption to curb his anxiety led to acute pancreatitis and a gall bladder surgery.

— Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of gall

Noun

Ilya is looking for work as an assistant, and the professor, with his dandyish nerd arrogance, tells him to look at a paper he’s written and come back in a few days.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
This standalone novel looks at the cult of celebrity, the bond among parents and children, entitlement and arrogance, all wrapped into a tightly wound plot that’s an evocative historical steeped in the Great Depression.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

As fashion cycles through infinite stages of nostalgia—particularly the brashness of the ’80s and the sleek, techy sportiness of the ’90s—there’s something about airbrushing that feels less overt and slightly irreverent.

— Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026

Definition of brashness

Noun

The confidence gap in philanthropy mirrors a broader anxiety wealth advisors have noticed about whether heirs are ready for any of it.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
The Tigers travel to Lexington, Kentucky, in Week 6 to take on a Kentucky team that should have plenty of confidence after pulling off a comeback win on the road against South Carolina a week ago.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Within such a movement, no band is embracing it with the tenacity — or the audacity — of Dexter and the Moonrocks.

— Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
The haughtiness and audacity of RHONY set a precedent for future cities, making the infamous season nine Gangster Lunch an obvious scene to recreate.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of audacity

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cheek

cheekiness

cheeks

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“Cheekiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheekiness. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cheekiness

noun

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