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

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 audacity But that show of audacity is minor compared with how Roy blackmails a federal official who’s behind the suit. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024 The audacity of the finale comes from writer Noah Hawley and director Thomas Bezucha’s willingness to just let the last scene play out with consummate patience over nearly 20 minutes of building suspense, humor and philosophical intrigue. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for audacity 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for audacity
Noun
  • Coordinators have rarely had the gall to try to run it in those spots, but the Lions did and scored.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Jason, who Reed has the gall to say might not be worth avenging, does Helen one more good turn from beyond the grave.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Find your rhythm in routine to calm your nerves as the moon and Mercury clash.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025
  • About three and half weeks after leaving Belize, the family went to Miami where Annabelle had an additional surgery to revise her amputation so it would be better suited for a prosthetic, and additional surgery on her hands to repair some nerves and tendon damage.
    Morgan Chesky, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Trump’s Comments About The Panama Canal Trump remarked that the United States should regain control of the Panama Canal, a statement that evoked arrogance and colonialism in the past.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The historical 'attitude' (arrogance) in his acting has fueled MAGA, and his endorsements of Trump are undeniably overbearing and irrational.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In the beginning, many scoffed at the temerity of a peanut farmer and one-term governor running for the highest office in the land.
    Scott Kraft, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The simple truth is that the DOJ is always on the warpath against businesses possessing the temerity to not just meet the needs of consumers, but lead them.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near audacity

Cite this Entry

“Audacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/audacity. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on audacity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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