1
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will
her kindly feelings turned to gall when she found out her nephew only wanted her money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nerve
shameless boldness
I can't believe he had the gall to ask me how much I weigh
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
move that rope so the sharp edge of the hull doesn't gall it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to bother
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
humming through your nose like that absolutely galls me
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gall
Nicholas Lemann, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
Take, for instance, another women’s sports team that had the gall to outperform their male counterparts, the U.S. Women’s National Team.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025
Luke Smith, New York Times, 18 May 2025
The two countries were locked in a long-running struggle for economic dominance, making the U.S. bid for Canada especially galling.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gall
Noun
Among Joe Biden’s afflictions and miseries, his wormwood and gall, there are the insults (about his diminished capacities), and then there are the compliments unpaid (about his achievements).
—Nicholas Lemann, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
Take, for instance, another women’s sports team that had the gall to outperform their male counterparts, the U.S. Women’s National Team.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
Given the fine margins and constant reviews that McLaren puts its tactical decisions through, opting against swapping the cars (as galling a call as that would’ve been for championship leader Piastri) is something people will question.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 18 May 2025
The two countries were locked in a long-running struggle for economic dominance, making the U.S. bid for Canada especially galling.
—Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gall
Noun
-
There is a clear correlation between being the victim of hostility and suffering from negative mental health or even physical health.—
Jo Causon,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Time and again the president has expressed optimism after speaking with Putin about winding down the hostilities.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The surgery comes with risks, including nerve injury and a loss of range of motion.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Aug. 2025
-
King has been out since mid-May with a nerve impingement near his right (throwing) shoulder.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Here is a closer look at what the Jayhawks will be wearing in that game.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Gastineau and Favre were surrounded by multiple onlookers and Gastineau wore a microphone provided by the film crew.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
There are many players who let criticism bother them, and that’s bad for you, your teammates and people around you.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Passive-aggressive people rarely tell you exactly what’s bothering them.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As Venus irritates Pluto, exploring an office entanglement might not be a good idea!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
-
In fact, vitamin C, chemical exfoliants (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid), and retinol shouldn’t be used together all at once, since this combination can irritate and inflame the skin (including your existing hyperpigmentation).—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In turn, Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki had long held a grudge against the TPLF and was determined not only to dismantle it but also to inflict so much damage on Tigray that the region’s forces could never challenge Eritrea again.—
Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe,
Foreign Affairs,
5 Aug. 2025
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In an interview with Politico on Sunday, longtime Musk friend Philip Low said the Tesla CEO holds grudges and will work to damage Trump.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
The failure to heed early warnings from experts like Makary and Bhattacharya—now in positions to reshape federal health policy—underscores the arrogance of it all.—
Houman Hemmati,
Oc Register,
20 July 2025
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One of the habits of being trustworthy is being humble, so when assertiveness tips into arrogance this is a red flag for potential clients.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Most world powers say settlement expansion has eroded the viability of a two-state solution by fragmenting Palestinian territory.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
15 Aug. 2025
-
In fact, even as Iran and its premier proxy, Hezbollah, were being eroded through much of 2024, the Saudis appointed their first ambassador to Damascus in 12 years—capping a year-long diplomatic process that included former President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to Riyadh in May 2023.—
Kamran Bokhari,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gall. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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