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 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 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 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
  • Prolonged exposure can weaken the immune system, damage bone marrow, leading to conditions like anemia, and cause neurological effects such as dizziness, headaches, and long-term nerve damage.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The song played a pivotal part in Gaga: Five Foot Two, her 2017 Netflix documentary, where its mixed reception seemed to strike a nerve with her.
    Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And yet, the core of the brand—the audacity, the punk defiance, the challenge to authority—remains intact.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In other words, Southwest — a budget airline that’s been under intense pressure from activist investor Elliott Management — is punishing the folks in the cheap seats for having the audacity to bring clothes on vacation.
    Allison Morrow, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The toxic combination of Trump’s pro-Russia leanings, Vice President J. D. Vance’s arrogance and condescension, and Musk’s sad case of advanced poster’s disease have tanked America’s reputation among its traditional allies.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • But jealousy and arrogance get the best of Hamilton, who insinuates himself into the defense team, believing this action will help his political and financial setbacks.
    Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temerity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temerity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temerity

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