chutzpah

variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa

Synonym Chooser

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

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

In some situations, the words audacity and chutzpah are roughly equivalent. However, 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 chutzpah?

The meanings of effrontery and chutzpah largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

Where would hardihood be a reasonable alternative to chutzpah?

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

admired for her hardihood

When could temerity be used to replace chutzpah?

Although the words temerity and chutzpah have much in common, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

Example 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 chutzpah There’s only one word for it: chutzpah, an extreme level of audacity, gall or nerve. Steve Bousquet, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025 For the most part, director and co-screenwriter James Mangold — along with co-screenwriter Jay Cocks — do a commendable job showing how the iconic Bob Dylan is not only talented but rather prickly and arrogant — a creative force with the talent and chutzpah to ennoble change. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024 Ultimately, Wyden said chutzpah can help not just his colleagues at the Capitol, but all Americans, build better lives for themselves. Judy Kurtz, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025 The ball whistling just past the post seemed almost incidental to those admiring his chutzpah. Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chutzpah
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chutzpah
Noun
  • Our study also identified other risks, including low blood pressure, sleep problems, headaches, formation of kidney stones, and gall bladder disease and diseases associated with the bile ducts.
    Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • That's nerve damage causing pain, numbness or tingling.
    John Daley, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Prolonged exposure can weaken the immune system, damage bone marrow, leading to conditions like anemia, and cause neurological effects such as dizziness, headaches, and long-term nerve damage.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Architects Intuitive Dwellings This earthy modern kitchen, designed by Intuitive Dwellings in the Atlanta neighborhood of Serenbe, creates a dramatic centerpiece in an open living concept, featuring a bold backsplash composed of branching marble slabs with opposing brass inlay.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Now, most rational fans see what management did at the trade deadline, dealing away five regulars, including their captain Brad Marchand, and realize the brass has given up on this season.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Most are due to unnecessary escalation, creating disengagement, authoritative behaviors, arrogance and ego.
    Joao Mendes-Roter, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Musk’s casual Friday attire just shows his arrogance and disrespect for American government.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And yet, the core of the brand—the audacity, the punk defiance, the challenge to authority—remains intact.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In other words, Southwest — a budget airline that’s been under intense pressure from activist investor Elliott Management — is punishing the folks in the cheap seats for having the audacity to bring clothes on vacation.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chutzpah. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chutzpah

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!