Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of effrontery are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, gall, hardihood, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When is it sensible to use audacity instead of effrontery?

Although the words audacity and effrontery have much in common, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When might hardihood be a better fit than effrontery?

The words hardihood and effrontery can be used in similar contexts, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

How does the word nerve relate to other synonyms for effrontery?

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 would temerity be a good substitute for effrontery?

The words temerity and effrontery are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 effrontery These companies apparently have the effrontery to resist the attempts to reduce their access to capital being organized, primarily, by a largely unaccountable cabal of activists, financial institutions, and state pension funds. Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 7 Jan. 2024 Miller, putting a spin of effrontery on every line, is the perfect actor to play this corkscrew superhero. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 6 June 2023 With United out of the Champions League this season, Veronique no doubt wanted extra financial compensation for the effrontery of her client not playing top-level European football (even if Juve barely get past the group stage in the competition these days). Emmet Gates, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022 But this guy, who has the effrontery to be angry now? Haben Kelati, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for effrontery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effrontery
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
  • Some also say that soaking in salt baths can help restore the body’s electrolyte balance and promote the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, muscles, and nerve tissue.
    Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The pool of marketers that feel comfortable with news can be limited, particularly as marketers seek to stay away from programming that can strike a nerve with a polarized American audience.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 Apr. 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
  • But the remix leveled the playing field, and the audacity of slotting two men on a song about appreciating a man’s appearance wasn’t lost here.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
  • That audacity transcends into looks that embolden—and set our personality apart from the rest.
    Essence, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Malek has the temerity to play the character as a real nerd, which is to say someone who’s not immediately endearing.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Google, Facebook and other technology giants of today are being attacked by Lee for having had the temerity to discover an advertising future that few saw.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effrontery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effrontery. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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