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

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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

Chili introduces capsaicin, which activates nerves responsible for sensing heat rather than taste.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
The stage was set this past summer, and Lincoln Riley was a ball of nerves.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of nerve

Noun

To tell if an abnormal growth on a tree is a burl or a gall, compare the outer surface and texture of the growth.

— Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
Many of the trees with the OXO gene unexpectedly developed large abnormal growths called galls, grew slower and showed other symptoms of poor health.

— Steve Strauss, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

Definition of gall

Noun

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
His brashness with a wink is a fun part of the package, but insight and candor are what make the best analysts.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 10 June 2026

Definition of brashness

Noun

In a post on X, Kono, former defense minister under the Abe administration, warned that the plan could undermine confidence in Japan's fiscal position, push interest rates higher and weaken the yen.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
The government says the new framework will improve investor confidence by making decisions more predictable while protecting climate integrity and ensuring local communities benefit from carbon market projects.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Mars will also return to your sign this month, which not only gives you the nerve, but the emotional audacity to take a stand.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Perhaps a handful of trolls—a small group that includes the richest man in the world—has sworn off Nolan’s film because its cast has the audacity to feature both a Black woman and a trans man.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026

Definition of audacity

Browse Nearby Words

cheek

cheekiness

cheeks

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“Cheekiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheekiness. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cheekiness

noun

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