chutzpah

variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa

Synonym Chooser

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

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

When is audacity a more appropriate choice than chutzpah?

In some situations, the words audacity and chutzpah are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When can effrontery be used instead of chutzpah?

The meanings of effrontery and chutzpah largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

Where would hardihood be a reasonable alternative to chutzpah?

The words hardihood and chutzpah are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When could temerity be used to replace chutzpah?

Although the words temerity and chutzpah have much in common, 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 chutzpah That is what makes Operation Spiderweb such a breathtaking combination of chutzpah and expertise. Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025 The most important qualification of all is chutzpah. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 With characteristic chutzpah, Hepburn angled for larger roles than she would otherwise be considered for by arguing that her friends and family would fill the auditorium. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025 Best Amazon Kitchen Deals The Big Spring Sale is the perfect time to replace any old kitchen gadgets and cookware that has since lost its chutzpah. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chutzpah
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chutzpah
Noun
  • Two interesting examples of insects that need goldenrods are the goldenrod gall fly and the goldenrod gall moth.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
  • This crisis has shown us which world leaders will not only consent to this genocide, but brutally discipline their populations for having the gall to question it.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The volume and nature of the meows immediately struck a nerve with viewers, who recognized the sound of separation anxiety and loneliness.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This drug blocks those signals, so the nerves have a better chance to regrow.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Continue reading … 'UNPRECEDENTED' – Officials tout 'total collaboration' on strategy amid reports of brass concerns.
    , FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • This episode, veterans' affairs correspondent Quil Lawrence breaks down Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth's meeting of top US military brass at Quantico this week.
    October 2, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The series follows the fictional Holliday, a former star whose arrogance burned every bridge.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Blenkin told Variety in September 2025 that his character's laughter comes from arrogance.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Way more than a poor kid from GA would ever have the audacity to imagine.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Way more than a poor kid from Georgia would ever have the audacity to imagine.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chutzpah. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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