AUDACITY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of audacity are cheek , chutzpah , effrontery , gall , hardihood , nerve , and temerity . While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence. // an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

Q: When can 'effrontery' be used instead of 'audacity'?

The synonyms effrontery and audacity are sometimes interchangeable, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy. // outraged at his effrontery

Q: When might 'hardihood' be a better fit than 'audacity'?

The words hardihood and audacity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance. // admired for her hardihood

Q: How is 'nerve' related to other words for 'audacity'?

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: When is 'temerity' a more appropriate choice than 'audacity'?

While the synonyms temerity and audacity are close in meaning, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. // had the temerity to refuse

audacity

noun

ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē

Definition of audacity

as in gall

shameless boldness I can't believe she had the audacity to tell me to shut up!

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

Some common synonyms of audacity are cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When can effrontery be used instead of audacity?

The synonyms effrontery and audacity are sometimes interchangeable, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When might hardihood be a better fit than audacity?

The words hardihood and audacity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

How is nerve related to other words for audacity?

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

When is temerity a more appropriate choice than audacity?

While the synonyms temerity and audacity are close in meaning, 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 audacity Each sentence is diamond cut … Buntin has outdone herself … leases and provokes from every vantage point, but what is especially remarkable is Buntin’s audacity, her gutsy choices, and her clarity. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 You’ll be awed by its Escher-like effects, its confident audacity and how its many moving pieces crescendo for one of the best endings in film history. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 Having audacity comes down to taking action and being willing to take risks. — Austin Schutte, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Watching that Rosetta Stone-cold stupid footage here, you’re struck not only by his audacity, but by the scene’s excruciating comic pacing. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for audacity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for audacity

Noun

Avicii was hospitalized for health issues throughout his lifetime, and increased alcohol consumption to curb his anxiety led to acute pancreatitis and a gall bladder surgery.

— Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
It was followed by oak galls, acorns, aspen buds and mushrooms.

— Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of gall

Noun

There’s predictably a lot of anxiety about the festival at a time when nerves are shot and resources are stretched thin.

— Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
One plaintiff, a green card holder who lives in Chicago, said that he had been shot in the abdomen by officials under Quero Silva, an injury that left him with psychological scars and nerve damage.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of nerve

Noun

By having the temerity to urge Americans to break away from London, Paine was making the case of open and independent discourse and freedom of the press.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
After Los Angeles Unified delivered 3,200 pink slips to teachers and employees last month, the United Teachers Los Angeles has the temerity to strike for higher pay.

— Lance Christensen, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of temerity

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audaciousness

audacity

audial

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“Audacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/audacity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of audacity

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