TEMERITY Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

temerity

noun

tə-ˈmer-ə-tē

Definition of temerity next

as in gall

shameless boldness she had the temerity to ask me if she could borrow some money even though she never repaid the last loan

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 Without the temerity to stand on his own, his pedigree is unlikely to be worth much. —

Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 20 Sep. 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