Synonyms of gallant

gallant 1 of 3

adjective

ˈga-lənt 

1

as in valiant

feeling or displaying no fear by temperament

a gallant firefighter, rushing into the burning house to save the children

a gallant rescue

Synonyms & Similar Words

• valiant
• courageous
• brave
• heroic
• fearless
• bold
• valorous
• manful
• adventurous
• dauntless
• intrepid
• foolish
• undaunted
• resolute
• stalwart
• stout
• gutsy
• stouthearted
• impulsive
• lionhearted
• gutty
• daring
• doughty
• Spartan
• reckless
• hardy
• spirited
• plucky
• determined
• dashing
• unswerving
• undauntable
• unflinching
• game
• venturous
• greathearted
• spunky
• undismayed
• impetuous
• mettlesome
• undeterred
• venturesome
• mad
• gritty
• brazen
• gamy
• heedless
• audacious
• adventuresome
• imprudent
• foolhardy
• thoughtless
• daredevil
• lunatic
• madcap
• rash
• firm
• hotheaded
• headlong
• incautious
• wild
• nutty
• hasty
• insane
• brash
• overconfident
• unafraid
• reassured
• crazy
• comforted
• precipitate
• overbold
• half-witted
• encouraged
• emboldened
• heartened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cowardly
• yellow
• timorous
• ungallant
• dastardly
• coward
• timid
• unheroic
• craven
• pusillanimous
• fearful
• spiritless
• spineless
• nerveless
• gutless
• diffident
• shy
• chicken
• mousy
• anxious
• scary
• nervous
• careful
• skittish
• fainthearted
• cautious
• apprehensive
• prudent
• poltroon
• afraid
• lily-livered
• chickenhearted
• uncourageous
• heedful
• frightened
• startled
• milk-livered
• poor-spirited
• unadventurous
• upset
• weakhearted
• chicken-livered
• disturbed
• agitated
• perturbed
• terrified
• unnerved
• panicked
• scared
• spooked
• disconcerted
• weak
• disquieted
• shocked
• unmanly
• horrified
• concerned
• worried
• wimpy
• dismayed
• appalled
• panic-stricken
• terrorized

2

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature

a gallant knight

the members of that service club are known for their gallant service to the community

Synonyms & Similar Words

• noble
• great
• high
• honorable
• sublime
• chivalrous
• magnanimous
• big
• lofty
• valiant
• lordly
• heroic
• high-minded
• natural
• venerable
• worthy
• elevated
• regal
• exalted
• knightly
• greathearted
• princely
• magnificent
• inspiring
• ennobled
• moving
• majestic
• uplifting
• numinous
• august
• glorified

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoble
• degenerate
• low
• wretched
• base
• vile
• degraded
• sordid
• debased
• vicious
• ugly
• contemptible
• squalid
• little
• offensive
• detestable
• despicable
• abominable
• repulsive
• dastardly
• hateful
• dirty
• sorry
• lousy
• narrow
• mean
• ignominious
• humiliating
• discreditable
• coarse
• degrading
• vulgar
• crude
• small-minded

3

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception

a great and gallant sailing ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• magnificent
• glorious
• epic
• imposing
• majestic
• royal
• proud
• grand
• regal
• heroic
• massive
• noble
• monumental
• impressive
• imperial
• splendid
• wonderful
• operatic
• stately
• colossal
• formidable
• Homeric
• tremendous
• remarkable
• grandiose
• luxurious
• august
• baronial
• lavish
• extraordinary
• sublime
• marvelous
• gorgeous
• princely
• cosmic
• superb
• awesome
• terrific
• magnific
• stupendous
• extravagant
• monstrous
• prodigious
• kingly
• redoubtable
• wondrous
• queenly
• striking
• lordly
• divine
• awful
• inflated
• heavenly
• sumptuous
• apocalyptic
• celestial
• pompous
• prepossessing
• sensational
• opulent
• palatial
• killer
• resplendent
• overblown
• palatine
• splendiferous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humble
• modest
• lowly
• ordinary
• unimpressive
• unheroic
• common
• average
• unprepossessing
• mediocre
• unimposing
• abject
• shabby
• sordid
• meretricious
• mean
• petty
• trifling
• puny
• trivial
• insignificant
• second-rate
• paltry
• run-of-the-mill
• measly

gallant

2 of 3

noun

gə-ˈlant 

1

as in dude

a man extremely interested in his clothing and personal appearance

he was quite a gallant, primping more than either of his sisters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dude
• beau
• fop
• Beau Brummell
• macaroni
• pretty boy
• jay
• cavalier
• dandy
• buck
• popinjay
• lounge lizard
• coxcomb
• blade
• exquisite
• swell
• fancy Dan
• dasher
• clotheshorse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slob
• sloven

2

as in boyfriend

a man who courts a woman usually with the goal of marrying her

she had a whole host of gallants vying for her hand in marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• boyfriend
• man
• fellow
• lover
• suitor
• wooer
• swain
• sweetheart
• dear
• beloved
• sweetie
• beau
• darling
• admirer
• sweet
• steady
• old man
• significant other
• date
• flame
• crush
• spark
• escort
• favorite
• honey
• love
• squeeze
• valentine
• fiancé
• intended
• sweetie pie

gallant

3 of 3

verb

as in to romance

Related Words

• romance
• woo
• attend
• date
• spark
• escort
• court
• take out
• go out
• see
• step out

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gallant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gallant are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

Where would chivalrous be a reasonable alternative to gallant?

The words chivalrous and gallant can be used in similar contexts, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When could civil be used to replace gallant?

While the synonyms civil and gallant are close in meaning, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When can courteous be used instead of gallant?

Although the words courteous and gallant have much in common, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

When might polite be a better fit than gallant?

The words polite and gallant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gallant

Adjective

In 1951, George Reeves played the gallant superhero in the first feature film based on a DC Comics character, Superman and the Mole Man. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 11 July 2025

Fiennes exhibits that side of him without apology, which only makes his gallant side feel all the more genuine. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025

Each year, Scouts, Scouters, veterans and other community groups from all over the Bay Area gather in tribute to these gallant men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. —Karl Mondon, Mercury News, 25 May 2025

Curiosity is an optimistic treasure hunt—a gallant search that occurs without proof or guarantee. —Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!