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 The old man treated the unusually quiet girl with temerity, unsure how best to care for her. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 Phoenix, a four-month-old, will swoop down from the stands as Palace’s official mascot, filling the void left by Kayla, who had 10 years in the role and once had the temerity to steal a pie from a Millwall supporter. Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 28 Aug. 2024 Seriously, how easily the DOJ’s ankle-biters forget how Microsoft once got itself into trouble with the same DOJ for having had the temerity to include its Internet Explorer in its software bundle. John Tamny, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Think any Lincoln Lions will have the temerity to crash? Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 2 Oct. 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
  • Neuropathy is a debilitating type of pain caused by injury or damage to nerves.
    Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Connecting with others who have MS has proved 'really cathartic' Scout assists with Blair’s balance and eases her nerves about being in public.
    Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • They are fueled by audacity, resilience, and an ability to pivot in the face of failure.
    Paul Klein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Oprah’s faithful multitudes still haven’t accepted its avant-garde characterizations, visionary audacity, and historical complexity — a refusal that foreshadowed a devastating personal and cultural decline.
    Armond White, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But what unfolded in the White House on Friday was a striking departure—an unprecedented display of hostility, arrogance, and political theater that raises serious concerns about America's global leadership.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Reportedly, Tulip mastermind Charles Hegel (played with perfect measure of condescending arrogance by Josh Brener) has died in Kenya, and took with him all the necessary passwords needed to access the accounts of his many investors.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temerity. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temerity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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