Definition of hardihoodnext
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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
  • Nina, Karen and Caroline started appearing in my daydreams, full of vigor and life lessons.
    Jennifer Acker, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
  • Although not invasive, irises do need to be divided every few years to maintain vigor.
    Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • By evening, the Aries Moon moves through your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, bringing courage around commitments, money, or deeper trust.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • Beneath the spectacle lies a story about longing, ambition, connection and the courage to challenge a broken system.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Fuel shortages mean transporting goods is more expensive, so prices for energy, food, medicine and other basic items have also risen as supplies begin to dwindle.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • For cocktails and nightlife, hit TopGolf or Nola’s for live music then end the night strong with a table at HQ nightclub where resident and guest DJs keep the dance floor bumping and bottle servers keep the bubbly and energy flowing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Sitting inside a vehicle, explorers redefined heroism around mastery of machines and self.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 12 May 2026
  • But none of their streaks of zero heroism remotely compares with the untouchability of Miller’s streak.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Hannah Einbinder speaks about the cowardice of Hollywood on the Gaza genocide contrasted with Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil’s bravery.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 12 May 2026
  • There is still so much decency, intelligence, curiosity, kindness, and bravery among the people who work (or worked, before they were fired) in our government.
    Time, Time, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • During the reception, Princess Kate shared an emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.
    Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That mix of stubbornness and courageousness is what endeared Snider to fans and peers alike.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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