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
  • Grass seedlings are tender and need several weeks to gain vigor before frost and freezing temperatures blanket the lawn.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Though Leo’s lyrics are raw and scribed with vigor and delivered with a backing choir that breaks down into soprano, alto, and tenor vibrato, the track feels too theatric and out of step sonically with the rest of the album.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • At war’s end, the narrative that develops valorizes physical courage, glorifies battlefield heroics, and vilifies hubris.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Bestselling author and researcher Brené Brown talks about courage in this week’s episode of Leadership Next.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, and while those three provided the offensive spark, the defensive energy from Marcus Smart off the bench and Jarred Vanderbilt proved to be a game-changer, as both players recorded two steals apiece.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Expressing gratitude to these kids for their acts of heroism is not enough.
    The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Earlier in Clotworthy’s career, he had been cited for heroism for service during a deadly 2018 mudslide in Montecito.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The seven pillars of society—wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth—aren’t just words carved into sacred walls.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Pippa’s bravery and resilience have captured plenty of attention online, as internet users have rallied to support the sweet pup.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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!