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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
  • The pop star has learned to prioritize her personal care with the same vigor that fueled her professional triumphs.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Premature removal of the plant foliage reduces plant vigor and bulb size.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His leadership showed compassion, political courage, and moral clarity … qualities our leaders could use today more than ever.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • By the end, the young girl proudly admired her new earrings, a symbol of overcoming fear and embracing courage.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Early momentum swing Despite all the emotion and energy in the rink with Gabriel Landeskog’s stirring return to action after nearly three years away, Colorado started slowly.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Moscow regaining its status as Europe's top energy supplier would hurt American oil and gas producers, especially as the U.S. has made inroads as an LNG supplier there.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The goal of the project is to position women as central figures, as many ancient texts and paintings traditionally depict male heroism, while women are often relegated to mere decoration and reproductive roles.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In recognition of his heroism, Jessen was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor, by Consul General Frédéric Jung on September 18, 2023, ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ground Zero is the story of Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier who showed rare bravery, grit and courage during his posting in Kashmir and managed to kill a major terrorist - Rana Tahir Nadeem, widely known as Ghazi Baba to the world.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With Ronald Araujo coming into Flick’s defence against Dortmund, Barcelona fans must still wince when watching the bravery that is required to play such a high line.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Foster a Climate That Is Inclusive, Not Exclusive There is a back story to Crazy Horse's battlefield gallantry.
    Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Great gallantry April 5th is known as Go for Broke Day.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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