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

Today, Hampton’s legacy is one of revolutionary love, community and the audacity to imagine a liberated future. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Though she was miffed, she was also impressed by his audacity. —David Sheff, ARTnews.com, 24 Mar. 2025

Her last efforts to fight for herself and her children require audacity. —Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

But maybe above all, there’s the sheer audacity of the hike. —Shannon Doyne, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025