GALL Synonyms: 253 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'gall' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of gall are audacity , cheek , chutzpah , effrontery , 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

Q: In what contexts can 'audacity' take the place of 'gall'?

In some situations, the words audacity and gall are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence. // an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

Q: When could 'effrontery' be used to replace 'gall'?

The meanings of effrontery and gall largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy. // outraged at his effrontery

Q: When is 'hardihood' a more appropriate choice than 'gall'?

The synonyms hardihood and gall are sometimes interchangeable, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance. // admired for her hardihood

Q: When might 'temerity' be a better fit than 'gall'?

The words temerity and gall can be used in similar contexts, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. // had the temerity to refuse

gall 1 of 2

noun

ˈgȯl

Definition of gall next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will her kindly feelings turned to gall when she found out her nephew only wanted her money

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nerve

shameless boldness I can't believe he had the gall to ask me how much I weigh

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gall

2 of 2

verb

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

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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

as in to irritate

to make sore by continued rubbing tie your shoes so they don't gall your heels sliding on and off like that

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of gall are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, 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

In what contexts can audacity take the place of gall?

In some situations, the words audacity and gall are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When could effrontery be used to replace gall?

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

outraged at his effrontery

When is hardihood a more appropriate choice than gall?

The synonyms hardihood and gall are sometimes interchangeable, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When might temerity be a better fit than gall?

The words temerity and gall can be used in similar contexts, but 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 gall

Noun

The females will then find a gall, or a growth on a plant caused by mites, insects or some other kind of infestation. —

Li Cohen, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2024 The species commonly feeds on the larvae of a midge, or a fly, that forms galls on the edges of pin oak leaves, according to the University of Maryland Extension. —

Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024

Verb

Such an admission must be particularly galling for the company in light of its arch rival, Universal Studios, building a massive theme park expansion called Epic Universe just a few miles away from Kissimmee, Florida, where Walt Disney World parks and resorts are located. —

Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2024 Nikki is the classic out-of-towner who comes to a new precinct, mildly galled by how much influence the rich exert over the Nantucket police. —

Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gall

Noun

On several occasions tensions between the two countries — NATO allies divided by deep historical antagonisms — have stirred powerful nationalist passions and brought them to the brink of hostilities.

Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
In it, Elphaba and Galinda profess their undying friendship; suffice it to say that Grande found the notion of treating her co-star with violent hostility an acting challenge.

Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025