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 Chuck Schumer wore a sense of betrayal on his face when Kristen Welker of NBC News had the temerity to confront him with his own remarks. Noah Rothman, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025 In the beginning, many scoffed at the temerity of a peanut farmer and one-term governor running for the highest office in the land. Scott Kraft, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024 The simple truth is that the DOJ is always on the warpath against businesses possessing the temerity to not just meet the needs of consumers, but lead them. John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 The Times was especially agitated that the boys’ fathers had had the temerity to go to federal court over this. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for temerity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temerity
Noun
  • Our study also identified other risks, including low blood pressure, sleep problems, headaches, formation of kidney stones, and gall bladder disease and diseases associated with the bile ducts.
    Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Coordinators have rarely had the gall to try to run it in those spots, but the Lions did and scored.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Following a diabetic-friendly diet can help control blood glucose levels and prevent complications such as kidney, nerve, and eye damage.3 Can People With Diabetes Eat Bananas?
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Parasympathetic nerves emerge in the brain and brainstem, and sympathetic nerves arise from the spinal cord.
    Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the remix leveled the playing field, and the audacity of slotting two men on a song about appreciating a man’s appearance wasn’t lost here.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
  • That audacity transcends into looks that embolden—and set our personality apart from the rest.
    Essence, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Solskjaer felt that overconfidence bordering on arrogance might be PSG’s Achilles’ heel.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Titan: Plunges into the chilling 2023 submersible tragedy, peeling back the layers of ambition, arrogance, and a lack of oversight that led to catastrophe.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temerity. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temerity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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