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 Moyers had his enemies for having the temerity to criticize Ronald Reagan. Dean Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for temerity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temerity
Noun
  • By Nicholas Lemann Among Joe Biden’s afflictions and miseries, his wormwood and gall, there are the insults (about his diminished capacities), and then there are the compliments unpaid (about his achievements).
    Ian Crouch, The New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2024
  • 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
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
  • Her last efforts to fight for herself and her children require audacity.
    Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • But maybe above all, there’s the sheer audacity of the hike.
    Shannon Doyne, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The arrogance of economics and its myriad equations, charts and numbers is astounding.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Others were negative traits to avoid, like irritability, arrogance, and combativeness.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temerity. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temerity

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