chutzpah

variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chutzpah different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of chutzpah are audacity, cheek, 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 chutzpah?

In some situations, the words audacity and chutzpah are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When can effrontery be used instead of chutzpah?

The meanings of effrontery and chutzpah largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

Where would hardihood be a reasonable alternative to chutzpah?

The words hardihood and chutzpah are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When could temerity be used to replace chutzpah?

Although the words temerity and chutzpah have much in common, 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 chutzpah That is what makes Operation Spiderweb such a breathtaking combination of chutzpah and expertise. Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025 The most important qualification of all is chutzpah. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 With characteristic chutzpah, Hepburn angled for larger roles than she would otherwise be considered for by arguing that her friends and family would fill the auditorium. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025 Best Amazon Kitchen Deals The Big Spring Sale is the perfect time to replace any old kitchen gadgets and cookware that has since lost its chutzpah. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chutzpah
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chutzpah
Noun
  • The gall to say that I'm washed?
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Two interesting examples of insects that need goldenrods are the goldenrod gall fly and the goldenrod gall moth.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, cells at the site revert to a stem-like state, forming a blastema, a miniature limb-making factory that reconstructs bones, muscles, nerves, and skin with flawless precision.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • According to Mayo Clinic, the disease is a progressive nerve disorder that impacts movement and speech.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In traditional steakhouse fashion, interiors will feature rich dark woods, brass metal accents and a monochromatic palette.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The door panels feature mother-of-pearl surfaces that surround brass door handles painted in a silver-gold hue.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Professional arrogance, that is, that pushed Atkinson to exceed everybody’s expectations … except his own.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • True to his overconfidence-bordering-on-arrogance nature, new intern Wes earlier in the episode did not follow instructions and attended to patients without permission.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • They are taken aback by her audacity and goad her into detailing the book’s genesis.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
  • His audacity and her rashness might surprise some.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chutzpah. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chutzpah

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!