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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardihood
Noun
  • At the end, the main attraction is Ridley, whose vigor and charisma are unmissable on a screen of any size.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
  • In Trump’s first weeks back in office, Musk has helped the president implement the unitary executive theory with speed and vigor.
    Zachary Karabell, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While initially working in a hair salon in his hometown of Houston, Guerrero worked up the courage to move to L.A. to pursue his dreams.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • That all-important contrast is missing (as are any employees who do the manual labor of cleaning up after the guests), which is why the show feels like a deflated satire that never had the courage of its convictions to begin with.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This solid base provided by the energy of Ollie Rathbone and George Dobson helped the defence put in one of their more polished collective displays, certainly since Cambridge United’s surprise 2-2 draw at the SToK Cae Ras on December 14 heralded a notable drop-off in form.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The energy then gets re-emitted at longer, lower-energy wavelengths—greens, yellows, oranges, and reds.
    Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • An epic poem from Homer, the original literary classic explored themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
  • But compared with its predecessor, this Nosferatu makes room for nearly all its female characters to get moments of centrality, humanity, and heroism.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The production encapsulated his bravery, wit and charm.
    Joshua Barone, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Gryffindor stands for bravery, courage and chivalry; Hufflepuff is known for loyalty, kindness and hard work; Ravenclaw values wisdom, wit and a love of learning; Slytherin represents ambition, resourcefulness and determination.
    Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • He was deployed to Italy, where his conspicuous gallantry in combat earned him the Military Cross.
    Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2020
  • Crank up the gallantry, crank up the generosity: Send a spark of love and novelty into the black cloud.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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