Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of temerity are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, and nerve. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

When could audacity be used to replace temerity?

While the synonyms audacity and temerity are close in meaning, 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 temerity?

While in some cases nearly identical to temerity, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

In what contexts can hardihood take the place of temerity?

In some situations, the words hardihood and temerity are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

How is nerve related to other words for temerity?

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

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 temerity That’s because every time a Chinese company has the temerity to succeed stateside, protectionist impulses within the political and administrative classes get to work on discrediting the company with charges of – yes – espionage. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 In this case, a jealous pope (President Trump) delights in humiliating an upstart bishop (Gov. DeSantis) for having the temerity to challenge his supremacy as Autocrat In Chief. Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025 And to think, Nuggets interim coach David Adelman had the temerity to take the Clippers to task before Thursday night’s game at the Intuit Dome. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2025 Malek has the temerity to play the character as a real nerd, which is to say someone who’s not immediately endearing. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temerity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temerity
Noun
  • Two interesting examples of insects that need goldenrods are the goldenrod gall fly and the goldenrod gall moth.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
  • This crisis has shown us which world leaders will not only consent to this genocide, but brutally discipline their populations for having the gall to question it.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Take some time to relax after a hectic day of work and school by spending quality time together listening to music—hey, maybe these songs will even inspire a dance party to shake out some of the day’s nerves.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Speaking on a podcast last year, Kirk described receiving frequent death threats, saying the dangerous messages showed his political movement had struck a nerve with political opponents.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another member of the study panel had the audacity to endorse former President Biden for his climate policies.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The series will highlight the unbridled audacity of young men not just leveling up, but determined to become legends in the game.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mitchell prides himself on being a no-nonsense, no-bulls*** kind of man, but his attitude can sometimes come across as arrogance.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
  • This arrogance is not just limited to tech titans.
    Christian Josi, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temerity. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temerity

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