gall 1 of 2

Definition of gallnext

gall

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
as in to irritate
to make sore by continued rubbing tie your shoes so they don't gall your heels sliding on and off like that

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of gall are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, 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

In what contexts can audacity take the place of gall?

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

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When could effrontery be used to replace gall?

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

outraged at his effrontery

When is hardihood a more appropriate choice than gall?

The synonyms hardihood and gall are sometimes interchangeable, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When might temerity be a better fit than gall?

The words temerity and gall 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 gall
Noun
Second, a supporters group blessed to be cheering for Leo Messi shows a bit of gall, frankly, to want more. Greg Cote may 18, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026 Worse yet, the black olive tree caterpillar also feeds on these galls caused by the mites, accelerating staining through its droppings. Cori Sears, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
Verb
There’s no getting around paying taxes, but there’s something galling about paying for the privilege. Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 Such statistics gall the people of the Niger Delta, who expected to see a greater share of the oil wealth. Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gall
Noun
  • Engelbert has consistently mismanaged the overt physical hostility directed at the league's biggest star.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Today, however, some experts suggest that explicit displays of racial hostility have become more visible in public spaces.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • But despite his nerves, Byrd conquered his fear of flying to be with his friend of 81 years.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Further, nerve damage from surgery wouldn’t explain her other symptoms.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • But on Wednesday, the day after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to secure its fourth consecutive World Cup victory, the fan and his wife, Angélica Arias, walked to the plaza wearing two identical caps.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
    Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.
    Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Most weddings have some logistical drama — exes with grudges, estranged former besties, etc.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
  • That's a grudge he's carried that he's described publicly.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
  • In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
    Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • But Koppl traced a distinctly American lineage through a chain of precedents dating back more than 50 years, each one further eroding the market discipline that profit-and-loss accountability is supposed to provide.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • Moscow says the strike was retaliation for Ukraine’s 40-day campaign on Russian oil refineries and supply lines, which has fueled shortages, hit Crimea and eroded battlefield momentum.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gall. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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