EFFRONTERY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of effrontery are audacity , cheek , chutzpah , gall , hardihood , nerve , and temerity . While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy. // outraged at his effrontery

Q: When is it sensible to use 'audacity' instead of 'effrontery'?

Although the words audacity and effrontery have much in common, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence. // an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

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

The words hardihood and effrontery can be used in similar contexts, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance. // admired for her hardihood

Q: How does the word 'nerve' relate to other synonyms for 'effrontery'?

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 would 'temerity' be a good substitute for 'effrontery'?

The words temerity and effrontery are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. // had the temerity to refuse

effrontery

noun

i-ˈfrən-tə-rē

Definition of effrontery

as in gall

shameless boldness the little squirt had the effrontery to deny eating any cookies, even with the crumbs still on his lips

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

Some common synonyms of effrontery are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, gall, hardihood, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When is it sensible to use audacity instead of effrontery?

Although the words audacity and effrontery have much in common, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When might hardihood be a better fit than effrontery?

The words hardihood and effrontery can be used in similar contexts, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

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

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 would temerity be a good substitute for effrontery?

The words temerity and effrontery are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 effrontery Both clever, the younger had the effrontery to be popular and sporty, too. — Esther Freud, Vogue, 2 July 2025 Ani is one of HQ’s best girls, and Madison plays her with a bawdy effrontery and a disarming grin that seems to widen by a mile under neon lights. — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 Blocking the medical board from physician regulation is the worst effrontery to medical professionalism, puts the public at unacceptable risk, and might be a place for bad physician actors to be shrouded and protected. — Joel B. Zivot, STAT, 26 Feb. 2024 These companies apparently have the effrontery to resist the attempts to reduce their access to capital being organized, primarily, by a largely unaccountable cabal of activists, financial institutions, and state pension funds. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 7 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for effrontery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for effrontery

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

Sincerity and audacity are not opposing forces but complementary ones in this space, and for writers, retro programmers, and other film fans who came of age after midnight at the movies, Curry’s impact persists as its own kind of religion.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Trades are done not with deep pockets but with prospects and audacity.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of audacity

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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effrontery

effulgence

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“Effrontery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effrontery. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of effrontery

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