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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of hardihood are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When is audacity a more appropriate choice than hardihood?

The words audacity and hardihood are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When might effrontery be a better fit than hardihood?

The words effrontery and hardihood can be used in similar contexts, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

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

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

Where would temerity be a reasonable alternative to hardihood?

In some situations, the words temerity and hardihood are roughly equivalent. However, 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 hardihood My father had been a leading Mountaineer and would still maintain the general superiority in skill and hardihood of the Above Boys (his own faction) over the Below Boys (so were they called), of which party his contemporary had been a chieftain. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2022 There is little question that Reagan, for all his physical hardihood and strength of will, was no longer up to the task of serving a third term beginning in 1989. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 18 Sep. 2020 And yet Andrew Johnson, with unblushing hardihood, undertook to rule them by his own power alone. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019 Someone died today in Virginia in a racial terrorist attack, and our President had the audacity, the hardihood to continue to hew to the line of dog whistling racist dogma. Angela Helm, The Root, 12 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardihood
Noun
  • When beating, whip with vigor using a fork instead of a whisk.
    Megan Zhang, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The Gilded Heiress dips into the world of the wealthy, but its primary focus is on the working-class, which Shupe renders with electric vigor in a genre so often dominated by those breathing rarefied air.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, as the dog plucked up the courage to jump into the water, the man on the boat appeared to steer off and left the dog alone.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Despite this, some victims showed immense courage.
    Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As the evening goes on, DJs take over the rooftop, giving the night a festival-like energy against the Fort Worth skyline.
    Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • According to sources at Valdebebas, the teenager has impressed with his energy, tireless running, constant offering for the ball and strong personality.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even murder can be recast as heroism.
    Jonathan Alpert, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Last year, Marino recalled the story of her father’s heroism to the New York Post.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Despite Weston’s bravery in the face of deadly violence, Halsne told NBC that his son is now afraid to be alone.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
  • During a Thursday news conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara recounted the bravery of the first officers on scene.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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