CHUTZPAH Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'chutzpah' different from other nouns like it?

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

Q: When is 'audacity' a more appropriate choice than 'chutzpah'?

In some situations, the words audacity and chutzpah are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence. // an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

Q: When can 'effrontery' be used instead of 'chutzpah'?

The meanings of effrontery and chutzpah largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy. // outraged at his effrontery

Q: Where would 'hardihood' be a reasonable alternative to 'chutzpah'?

The words hardihood and chutzpah are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance. // admired for her hardihood

Q: When could 'temerity' be used to replace 'chutzpah'?

Although the words temerity and chutzpah have much in common, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. // had the temerity to refuse

chutzpah

noun

ˈhu̇t-spə

variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa

Definition of chutzpah next

as in gall

shameless boldness had the chutzpah to demand that he be treated as a special case and be given priority in settling his insurance claim

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

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

When is audacity a more appropriate choice than chutzpah?

In some situations, the words audacity and chutzpah are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When can effrontery be used instead of chutzpah?

The meanings of effrontery and chutzpah largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

Where would hardihood be a reasonable alternative to chutzpah?

The words hardihood and chutzpah are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When could temerity be used to replace chutzpah?

Although the words temerity and chutzpah have much in common, temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

Examples of chutzpah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The fury at this, well, chutzpah is palpable and widespread. —

Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 25 June 2024 Good morning to Paul Mescal, who went straight from his hotel to Monday’s Gucci men’s show in a rather flimsy pair of bedroom boxers—yet another gem in the crown for the king of thigh chutzpah. —

Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 June 2024 The reference works so well because Susie, with her balance of earnest generosity and straight-talking chutzpah, is a classic archetype of Jewish lore. —

Sarah Nechamkin, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2024 This calls to mind a classic Brooklyn expression: chutzpah. —

Zellnor Myrie, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chutzpah

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chutzpah.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.