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
  • During all winters, conifers need occasional watering when the ground is not frozen to maintain plant vigor and to keep their needles intact.
    Special to The Denver Post, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
  • Divide spring-blooming bulbs to restore vigor, prevent overcrowding, and increase flowering.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The courage to make those choices and keep moving forward is what has defined my journey.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, Ally’s peaceful world is suddenly thrown into danger and is thrust into a journey real-life marine creatures as the film explores themes of friendship and courage.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Renewable energy Iggo is also keen on renewable energy, citing a recovery in stocks this year, driven by the massive demand for electricity coming from the AI trade, as well as the conflict in the Middle East.
    Michael Considine, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • As the Moon in Scorpio trines Jupiter from your 2nd House of Resources, confidence builds around what’s actually worth your time, energy, and attention.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Upending age-old narrative traditions, Paul’s heroism takes a sinister turn when Herbert reveals that the Bene Gesserit, an Illuminati-like secretive order of psychic matriarchs, has long been conditioning the Fremen to expect the arrival of a messiah, or mahdi, in their native tongue.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • An all-too-familiar contrast between heroism and destructiveness.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The key cabin crew are flight attendants Penny (Lucy Barrett) and Zoe (Na Shi), both of whom demonstrate bravery, to different ends, and show caring attention to the terrified children.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 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 3 May. 2026.

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