gall 1 of 2

Definition of gallnext

gall

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
as in to irritate
to make sore by continued rubbing tie your shoes so they don't gall your heels sliding on and off like that

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of gall are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, 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

In what contexts can audacity take the place of gall?

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

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When could effrontery be used to replace gall?

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

outraged at his effrontery

When is hardihood a more appropriate choice than gall?

The synonyms hardihood and gall are sometimes interchangeable, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When might temerity be a better fit than gall?

The words temerity and gall 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 gall
Noun
Yes had the good sense and the gall to ask him to come back and produce their new record. Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026 Effective Laundering Products to Use on Pollen Instead of using mild detergent, pollen can be removed with gall soap. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Such statistics gall the people of the Niger Delta, who expected to see a greater share of the oil wealth. Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 What galls them is Toberoff’s tooth-and-nail negotiations and his insistence on becoming a producer himself, complete with credit and fees. Tom Dotan, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gall
Noun
  • The idea is that those first steps would create space for gradual deescalation and an effective cessation of hostilities.
    Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 1 June 2026
  • The concept, previously presented in European animation settings including Annecy, was pitched as a YA story about mental health, identity, online hostility and self-acceptance.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The injuries led to a degenerative nerve condition that eventually required the amputation of his right leg.
    Noah Daly June 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
  • Andreeva won that too, just as Baptiste was threatening to force a deciding set that would have tested her nerve.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Mark, on a skateboard, and Jacob, also wearing inline skates, followed a little more than an arm’s length behind.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • There’s a similar amount of personality within Hadspen House, where a Roman bust wears a necklace of seashells and a snug room is decorated in the colors of the croquet set outside on the lawn.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • This was a club that embraced African players before much of Europe bothered to scout the continent seriously.
    Zohran Mamdani, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • In my dream world where Emmys voters bother to watch Bait, Khan is a shoo-in.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • It is expected that Mourinho will try to tighten control over leaks concerning internal dressing-room matters, something that has irritated the club this season — and which Alonso sought to tackle.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • Key Points Cayenne pepper can deter squirrels by irritating their senses without causing harm.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Nearly a decade later, the grudge is still going strong.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • Vaughn also asked her roughly 84,000 followers not to hold any grudges.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The problem is that without Humility, confidence easily becomes arrogance, decisiveness becomes impulsive, and expertise becomes a barrier to learning.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • In Polis’ case, so does arrogance.
    Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Given that nursing home costs can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars annually — and often much more depending on location and level of care — those expenses can quickly erode a retirement nest egg.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 June 2026
  • Consequently, rising inflation has steadily eroded real purchasing power, leaving 59 percent of Americans without sufficient savings to absorb a minor financial shock, such as a $1,000 emergency.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gall. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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