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

The daters Julie Nguyen works with are more likely to be floored by the laziness, spelling errors, and sheer audacity of the people on the other end. —Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, the publisher to whom Wednesday submitted her novel had the audacity to give her notes. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025

Martell has long championed freedom, audacity and excellence, and is continuing its cultural journey by shining a spotlight on the people and platforms shaping Afrobeats from within. —Nkosiyati Khumalo, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025

In 1930, in an act of extraordinary audacity, St. Clair even testified against the N.Y.P.D. for corruption. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025