chutzpah

variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa
Definition of chutzpahnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of chutzpah are audacity, cheek, 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 chutzpah?

In some situations, the words audacity and chutzpah are roughly equivalent. However, 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 chutzpah?

The meanings of effrontery and chutzpah largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

Where would hardihood be a reasonable alternative to chutzpah?

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

admired for her hardihood

When could temerity be used to replace chutzpah?

Although the words temerity and chutzpah have much in common, 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 chutzpah Marty’s chutzpah is justified by history; the character is loosely based on the table-tennis hustler and champion Marty Reisman, who died in 2012, at the age of eighty-two. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025 From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025 Hundreds have personally messaged Saito, captivated by his chutzpah. Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025 Fortunately, Kiari underscores Offset’s critical gifts, tapping into his chutzpah while demonstrating even more growth. Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chutzpah
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chutzpah
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
  • 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
  • Raised on a strict diet of toughness and discipline by his father, Dean arrives with undeniable talent – and an arrogance that quickly earns him enemies.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Things moved about at the top with a little more arrogance and zip but at the bottom was the ever-moving present.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • It was targeted at everyone who has the audacity to be foolish.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
  • His photographs vibrate with the excess of their ornamentation, with an audacity of presence that exceeds the realm of the emblematic.
    Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chutzpah. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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