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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of hardihood are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When is audacity a more appropriate choice than hardihood?

The words audacity and hardihood are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When might effrontery be a better fit than hardihood?

The words effrontery and hardihood can be used in similar contexts, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

How does the word nerve relate to other synonyms for hardihood?

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

Where would temerity be a reasonable alternative to hardihood?

In some situations, the words temerity and hardihood are roughly equivalent. However, 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 hardihood My father had been a leading Mountaineer and would still maintain the general superiority in skill and hardihood of the Above Boys (his own faction) over the Below Boys (so were they called), of which party his contemporary had been a chieftain. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2022 There is little question that Reagan, for all his physical hardihood and strength of will, was no longer up to the task of serving a third term beginning in 1989. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 18 Sep. 2020 And yet Andrew Johnson, with unblushing hardihood, undertook to rule them by his own power alone. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019 Someone died today in Virginia in a racial terrorist attack, and our President had the audacity, the hardihood to continue to hew to the line of dog whistling racist dogma. Angela Helm, The Root, 12 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardihood
Noun
  • Microsoft has emphasized the risks in remaining on Windows 10 with the same vigor as the benefits in moving to Windows 11.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Floratam, a variety marketed for more than 40 years, is the most popular being a traditional St. Augustine with lots of vigor.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • His reactions, his resilience, hunger, ambition and courage impressed amid the acrimony of defeat after defeat.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Your skills, your experience, and your courage have never been more essential.
    Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • China unveiled a new national energy law at the beginning of 2025 to coordinate its many energy-centric efforts.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The groundbreaking test, carried out with Tesla and the top US rooftop solar installer, will help keep the state’s clean energy momentum going despite the Trump administration’s crackdown on renewables.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Chasing a music of earnest heroism meant not being afraid to run toward ideas that might seem childish or unserious.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Learning more about Tubman’s heroism, including the River Raid, inspired Towns to produce a series of Tubman quilts, two of which are in the show.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Behind her dark wardrobe and dour demeanor lies benevolence and bravery.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
  • These lessons were often one-sided, focusing on the bravery and hardship of the colonizers.
    Shilo Kino August 4, Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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