Synonyms of chutzpah

chutzpah

noun

ˈhu̇t-spə 

variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa

as in gall

shameless boldness

had the chutzpah to demand that he be treated as a special case and be given priority in settling his insurance claim

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gall
• nerve
• arrogance
• audacity
• temerity
• effrontery
• brazenness
• confidence
• brashness
• audaciousness
• presumption
• presumptuousness
• brass
• crust
• pertness
• assurance
• sauciness
• face
• cheekiness
• cheek
• sauce
• brassiness
• impudence
• self-confidence
• hardihood
• nerviness
• disrespect
• self-assurance
• cockiness
• overconfidence
• insolence
• rudeness
• impertinence
• sass
• inconsiderateness
• swagger
• incivility
• sanguinity
• inconsideration
• impoliteness
• back talk
• ungraciousness
• discourteousness
• swash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• timidity
• modesty
• hesitancy
• diffidence
• shyness
• bashfulness
• manners
• courtesy
• timorousness
• graciousness
• faintheartedness
• timidness
• civility
• gentility
• courteousness
• mannerliness

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

Recent Examples of chutzpah

As a 20-year-old, Taylor Barnard raced with chutzpah and still blooming talent in getting two poles and five podium finishes for Neom McLaren. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026

Instead, tomorrow’s companies need critical thinkers with chutzpah to make higher-level decisions. —Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Marty’s chutzpah is justified by history; the character is loosely based on the table-tennis hustler and champion Marty Reisman, who died in 2012, at the age of eighty-two. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025

From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025

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