Synonyms of temerity

temerity

noun

tə-ˈmer-ə-tē 

as in gall

shameless boldness

she had the temerity to ask me if she could borrow some money even though she never repaid the last loan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gall
• nerve
• audacity
• arrogance
• effrontery
• chutzpah
• confidence
• presumption
• brashness
• brazenness
• face
• presumptuousness
• pertness
• brass
• crust
• cheek
• audaciousness
• assurance
• sauciness
• cheekiness
• sauce
• hardihood
• impudence
• disrespect
• nerviness
• brassiness
• impertinence
• insolence
• rudeness
• self-confidence
• cockiness
• overconfidence
• self-assurance
• inconsiderateness
• impoliteness
• incivility
• inconsideration
• sanguinity
• sass
• ungraciousness
• back talk
• swagger
• discourteousness
• swash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• timidity
• modesty
• hesitancy
• diffidence
• shyness
• bashfulness
• timorousness
• manners
• courtesy
• faintheartedness
• timidness
• graciousness
• civility
• gentility
• courteousness
• mannerliness

Synonym Chooser

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

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

had the temerity to refuse

When could audacity be used to replace temerity?

While the synonyms audacity and temerity are close in meaning, 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 temerity?

While in some cases nearly identical to temerity, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

In what contexts can hardihood take the place of temerity?

In some situations, the words hardihood and temerity are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

How is nerve related to other words for temerity?

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of temerity

And Zelensky just hasn’t backed down, and Zelensky’s had the temerity to take him on, on a number of occasions, to push back. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

The first trial session for The Great Lakes Suite took place about a year and a half ago — which Hearn and Bidini say nobody had the temerity to record at the time. — Gary Graff, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2025

Invigorating in its temerity, Smith’s six-episode Season 5 is told with propulsive clarity (save for the mysteries you’re intended to guess at). — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025

But despite being on the slight side, temerity has never been an issue for Locmelis. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

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