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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of hardihood are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, nerve, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When is audacity a more appropriate choice than hardihood?

The words audacity and hardihood are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 hardihood?

The words effrontery and hardihood can be used in similar contexts, but effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

How does the word nerve relate to other synonyms for hardihood?

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

Where would temerity be a reasonable alternative to hardihood?

In some situations, the words temerity and hardihood are roughly equivalent. However, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

Examples 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 hardihood My father had been a leading Mountaineer and would still maintain the general superiority in skill and hardihood of the Above Boys (his own faction) over the Below Boys (so were they called), of which party his contemporary had been a chieftain. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2022 There is little question that Reagan, for all his physical hardihood and strength of will, was no longer up to the task of serving a third term beginning in 1989. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 18 Sep. 2020 And yet Andrew Johnson, with unblushing hardihood, undertook to rule them by his own power alone. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardihood
Noun
  • The firm has been betting on the South with even greater vigor since 2021, when Morali became CEO and Nicole was made president.
    Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
  • Neither are refuted or corrected with the same vigor and enthusiasm seen when the seed of scandal is first set.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Both scenes are memorable and stunning in a solid, not remarkable, film that warmly celebrates the unbending love shared between a mother and a son and the courage and bravery of Londoners during The Blitz.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Unless Josh finally works up the courage to take his crush on Bananas to the next level.
    Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The sea continues to be the source of several profitable opportunities, including tourism and energy.
    Devika Rao, theweek, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Perhaps that’s why Sedona attracts such a strong enclave of New Age spiritual devotees searching for metaphysical energy in the vortexes allegedly sprinkled throughout its buttes and spires.
    Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Senior Dog Found Stranded in Canal with Almost 'No Chance of Survival' Recovers and Gets the 'Best Life' Even after this amazing act of heroism, Moogan is still available for adoption.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
  • About the heroism of Spotted Tail and Iron Shell, for instance, who fought side by side against the soldiers.
    Tim Madigan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • These outings have more to do with group bonding and proof of bravery than the supernatural.
    Elizabeth Friend, Longreads, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Images of their odyssey were captured by Palestinian journalist Alaa Hamouda, with Qamar drawing praise for her bravery in a snapshot of the daily reality facing many Palestinians in the enclave.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • For the next 40 years, not one of the seven Medal of Honor candidates cited for their gallantry in Cambodia or Laos received it.
    Barry Barnett, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2024
  • Superheroes have long been depicted wearing capes, which symbolize gallantry and underscore the fanciful nature of the superhero genre.
    Greg Hanlon, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near hardihood

Cite this Entry

“Hardihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardihood. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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