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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

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 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
  • Drive brings passion, vigor, and focus even in the face of significant headwinds.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • There is one film that serves as a counterpoint, representing the vigor these older characters strive to resurrect.
    Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The novel is action-packed, and filled with insights into leadership and courage.
    Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Embrace the journey with courage, and let your commitment be the compass guiding you.
    Mo Hamzian, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Texas is generating by far the most electricity from wind power and is fast deploying battery energy storage.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Electrification will also boost the battery energy storage market and charging stations with about 24.1mn charging stations sold per annum in 2035 from about 5.6mn units sold in 2024.
    Sarwant Singh, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The Carnegie Medal is the highest honor for civilian heroism and recipients or their survivors will receive a financial grant for being recognized, according to the Carnegie Hero Fund.
    Danielle Jennings, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The Chinese geophysicist, marine technologist, robot designer, and filmmaker challenged himself to locate the sunken vessel and resurface the tale of villainy and heroism behind it.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • As a reward for his act of bravery, Zayin was given a gift card from the store Zumiez to purchase a new skateboard after the group of kids took his.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024
  • The trial has convulsed France and transformed the woman at its center into a feminist icon for her bravery in allowing the case to be tried publicly.
    Natasha Frost, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • There is a back story to Crazy Horse's battlefield gallantry.
    Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Bob earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action when Japanese kamikaze bombers struck his ship, USS Franklin.
    Karen Scanlon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near hardihood

Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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