cheek

Definition of cheeknext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cheek are audacity, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," 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 audacity a more appropriate choice than cheek?

In some situations, the words audacity and cheek are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When would effrontery be a good substitute for cheek?

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

outraged at his effrontery

When can hardihood be used instead of cheek?

While the synonyms hardihood and cheek are close in meaning, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When might temerity be a better fit than cheek?

The words temerity and cheek can be used in similar contexts, but 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 cheek Leaning over his 12-year-old daughter's body, Rami Essam Abu Jamea kissed her cheek. Ammar Cheikh Omar, NBC news, 4 Feb. 2026 That means hairstyles studded with gemstones and pearls, gemstones sparkling across Robbie's cheeks, and braids tied together with passion-red ribbons. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Feb. 2026 The shot fired by Watson struck the first victim’s cheek, exited the other, before striking Partee. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026 To join the crowds and gently spread black oil on a stranger’s cheek—these moments of communion are the ethos of Carnival. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheek
Noun
  • Manscaped’s ‘Hair Ballad’ Several ads trafficked in revulsion as an attention-getter, none more so than this one for a body shaver featuring various clumps of removed body hair singing with their little hairy mouths.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Then, while breathing through your mouth, allow the solution to flow in and drain out the opposite nostril before repeating on the other side.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • When bleeding or swelling inside one of these compartments builds up, pressure rises and begins to squeeze the muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
    Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • On the health care side, students use a $40,000 digital anatomy table that displays the virtual image of a real cadaver to study bones, nerves and organs in layers.
    Wilborn P. Nobles III, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Langmuir showed that the molecules oriented themselves in a consistent way, looking like little tadpoles with the hydrophilic head, the end that likes water, toward the water, and the hydrophobic tail, the end that dislikes water, sticking up into the air.
    Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The stakes may differ, but the disrespect for local authority remains the same.
    Joshua Simmons, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Swedish disrespect is real.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Imagine having the gall to besmirch the name of a young mother killed for trying to speak up for her neighbors or of an ICU nurse shot in the back for trying to tend to a woman who had been pepper-sprayed in the face.
    Sasha Abramsky, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The documents that Dooley was now handling were barely yellowed, their edges lightly frayed, the oak gall ink ranging from brown to black.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Make your vehicle visible to others both ahead of you and behind you by using your low-beam headlights since this means your taillights will also be on.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The GranSport 38 can host up to 12 guests across five cabins (as well as room for seven crew), including a full-beam owner’s suite that opens up to the water.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Okay, Joy, get in there with the sass!
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Her sass pretty much sealed the deal on our guesses.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the concerns, Beijing sees an opening as Western leaders recalibrate their foreign policy in the face of a shifting relationship with the US.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Some staff are said to prioritize the friendly faces and recurring guests of the club— but what space isn’t?
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheek. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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