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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of hardihood are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When is audacity a more appropriate choice than hardihood?

The words audacity and hardihood are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When might effrontery be a better fit than hardihood?

The words effrontery and hardihood can be used in similar contexts, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

How does the word nerve relate to other synonyms for hardihood?

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

Where would temerity be a reasonable alternative to hardihood?

In some situations, the words temerity and hardihood are roughly equivalent. However, 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 hardihood My father had been a leading Mountaineer and would still maintain the general superiority in skill and hardihood of the Above Boys (his own faction) over the Below Boys (so were they called), of which party his contemporary had been a chieftain. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2022 There is little question that Reagan, for all his physical hardihood and strength of will, was no longer up to the task of serving a third term beginning in 1989. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 18 Sep. 2020 And yet Andrew Johnson, with unblushing hardihood, undertook to rule them by his own power alone. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019 Someone died today in Virginia in a racial terrorist attack, and our President had the audacity, the hardihood to continue to hew to the line of dog whistling racist dogma. Angela Helm, The Root, 12 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardihood
Noun
  • As Zidler, Petkoff portrays with vigor a self-serving weasel, albeit with a heart.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
  • Institutions from the Vatican to corporate boardrooms have long debated how to balance vigor and judgment.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Police in Largo shared a video of the encounter, as Officer Christopher Martinez, from Long Island, tried to work up the courage to hold the alligator.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • If any courage is left at the Bar’s elegant headquarters in Tallahassee, the Bondi exemption should be rescinded.
    The Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • With the cover and details, Karol is highlighting the tropical energy of her roots — a perfect vibe for summer, and the singer knows it.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025
  • Lembas has plans beyond GLP-1 Edge to produce other ingredients that can impact wellbeing like sleep and energy.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Their heroism always will be remembered so long as the love of liberty remains in the hearts of men and women.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
  • Pavement was real end-of-the-century stuff, punk’s ethos of sledgehammering critique stripped of its former heroism and shock value.
    Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Internet users can't get enough of Kenneth's bravery and determination, despite his small stature.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • But the tender, artful balladry and sorcerous studio experimentation that cemented his legacy are totally sui generis for the genre, comprising an act of emotional and creative bravery so rare and beautiful in American culture that it has never been successfully imitated.
    Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Written with filmmaker Matt Yoka, Possession marries the Band’s Americana with T. Rex’s fuzzy glam, anchored by Segall’s always-stellar guitar gallantry.
    Dan Reilly, Vulture, 20 May 2025
  • His offense: saving the damned with the melancholic gallantry of a real angel of history.
    Harmony Holiday, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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