gall 1 of 2

noun

ˈgȯl How to pronounce gall (audio)
Definition of gallnext
1
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will her kindly feelings turned to gall when she found out her nephew only wanted her money

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nerve
shameless boldness I can't believe he had the gall to ask me how much I weigh

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gall

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction move that rope so the sharp edge of the hull doesn't gall it

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2
as in to bother
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts humming through your nose like that absolutely galls me

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
DeSantis has offered a few limp rationalizations for his demand, but nothing that would overcome the sheer gall of this re-write of the rules. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026 In 1994, at 33, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which led to the removal of part of his pancreas, the duodenum, the gall bladder and part of his liver. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
Verb
What especially galls Marion is having eight touchdowns called back this season. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Her words so galled many on the left, each column became a source of knee-jerk opposition online. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gall
  1. hostility
  2. nerve
  3. wear
  4. bother
  5. irritate
  6. grudge
  7. arrogance
  8. erode
Noun
  • Instead, an arcane academic skirmish has devolved into open hostilities.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Fox News Digital reviewed internal Signal chat messages from Seattle-area rapid response groups showing that the rejection of whistles triggered open hostility.
    — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of hostility
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
Definition of nerve
Verb
  • Cody Powers said that his mother wore State Farm sweatshirts and T-shirts and entered every promotion the company offered.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Complex magazine also reported that the number may have served as a tribute to the singer's late uncle, who wore 64 as a football player.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of wear
Verb
  • Andrew Musgrave crossed the finish line in cross-country skiing today in a tank top, and the cold didn’t seem to bother him one bit.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • My damp clothes didn’t bother either one of us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of bother
Verb
  • Both add flavor and hydration with minimal calories, but their acidity can irritate acid reflux and tooth enamel.
    — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Undiluted bleach can leave behind a residue that is toxic to birds and may irritate their eyes and skin.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • This one-year penance business reeks of score-settling, petty grudges and arm-twisting.
    — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Some can hold grudges for years.
    — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • Despite trariffs, military power, dollar dominance and presidential arrogance, isolation, America will triumph.
    — Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Adriana is immediately aware of his confidence—bordering on arrogance—but also senses potential chemistry in their skating styles.
    — Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 22 Jan. 2026
Definition of arrogance
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the sinkhole had grown to 7 feet across and 10 feet deep and continues to actively erode the ground around it, Krul told The Star.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But multiple flood events over the decades have continued to erode the older infrastructure, leaving parts of it unsupported.
    — Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of erode

Browse Nearby Words

galilees
gall
gallant
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on gall

Nglish: Translation of gall for Spanish Speakers

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