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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of audacity

Read: The Oscars have left the mainstream moviegoer behind Gascón’s attempt to control her image is singular in its audacity. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2025

They are fueled by audacity, resilience, and an ability to pivot in the face of failure. —Paul Klein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025

Oprah’s faithful multitudes still haven’t accepted its avant-garde characterizations, visionary audacity, and historical complexity — a refusal that foreshadowed a devastating personal and cultural decline. —Armond White, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025

Gaga’s natal Venus is at the heart of her unapologetic approach to love, fame and self-expression, fueling her audacity, adventure and fierce originality. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025