Definition of hardihoodnext
1
2

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
  • Pulling out paintbrushes Brooks is tackling his ambitious to-do list with vigor and a pragmatic, systematic way.
    Cheryl Hall, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The benefits of spring pruning are new plant vigor and larger individual blooms or clusters of flowers.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This is a test of political courage.
    Jose Bernal, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Visceral, funny, provocative, timely and full of courage, this is a piece of work like no other.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The institute will consolidate Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) broad expertise in energy technologies, computing, grid science, and cybersecurity to develop next-generation infrastructure that is secure, efficient, and reliable.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2026
  • In these cases, a few medications can improve symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, and low energy.
    Doru Paul, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • John Chapman, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism saving lives during the March 4, 2002, Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
  • To look at it is to see the entire story of seduction and murder and tragic heroism through a single frame in which light itself, as always in cinema, is the lead actor and the source of revelation.
    Nicole Krauss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And thank you for your great bravery.
    TIME Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Roy’s bravery did not extend to talking to women.
    Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
  • That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster