audacity

noun

ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē How to pronounce audacity (audio)
Definition of audacitynext
as in gall
shameless boldness I can't believe she had the audacity to tell me to shut up!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Chen dives into this conceit with the audacity required to make the project compelling. —Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025 Armed with flamboyant charisma, virtuosic musicality, and a penchant for genre-defying audacity, the Argentine duo represent a new wave of artistry that refuses to fit neatly into any box. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025 Born Percy Miller, Master P’s story is one of audacity and ambition. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025 Today, Hampton’s legacy is one of revolutionary love, community and the audacity to imagine a liberated future. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for audacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for audacity
  1. gall
  2. nerve
  3. arrogance
  4. temerity
Noun
  • The members of my party have the gall to request several of these demonic items from the livid waiter.
    — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • Lia Thomas stole a medal through deceit, and this rag has the gall to call him a 'champion'?
    — Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Definition of gall
Noun
  • Shortly after Toxic Town started production, Thorne and his partners brought Qureshi and her team another four-part drama that would hit the nerve of even more everyday people.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 11 June 2025
  • The deployments have touched a raw nerve in California, where Democratic leaders say Trump is overstepping his constitutional authority in pursuit of political spectacle.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
Definition of nerve
Noun
  • The film sardonically conjures a golden age of interventionist arrogance.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
  • Here are the more common ways insecurities can manifest themselves: • Confidence will turn into arrogance.
    — Bill English, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • And to think, Nuggets interim coach David Adelman had the temerity to take the Clippers to task before Thursday night’s game at the Intuit Dome.
    — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Malek has the temerity to play the character as a real nerd, which is to say someone who’s not immediately endearing.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of temerity

Browse Nearby Words

audaciousness
audacity
audial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Audacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/audacity. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of audacity for Spanish Speakers

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