Synonyms of audacity

audacity

noun

ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē 

as in gall

shameless boldness

I can't believe she had the audacity to tell me to shut up!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

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

The synonyms effrontery and audacity are sometimes interchangeable, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When might hardihood be a better fit than audacity?

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

admired for her hardihood

How is nerve related to other words for audacity?

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 temerity a more appropriate choice than audacity?

While the synonyms temerity and audacity are close in meaning, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of audacity

Head has essentially fronted up in the two latest ICC tournaments with incredible audacity to keep India’s trophy cabinet bare until June’s World T20 final thriller against South Africa finally gave Rohit some respite from the bridesmaids tag. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

The book, written with Hill’s rare blend of humility and audacity, was ten years in the making. —Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 5 Dec. 2024

Some are even actually using their lunch breaks (the audacity!). —B.d. Dalton, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

But Thriller’s audacity, quality, and universal appeal revealed the height of Jones’ powers. —Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024