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

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 temerity In this three-part anthology, Lanthimos triples down on the unpleasantness that got him Oscar nominations and festival-circuit praise for The Favourite and Poor Things — films set outside his Greek background that yet exhibit his art-movie temerity. —

Armond White, National Review, 21 June 2024 On China, for instance, Kissinger and Nixon had the vision and temerity to guide world politics away from Cold War bipolarity and reintegrate Beijing into the international system. —

Joseph S. Nye Jr., Foreign Affairs, 30 Nov. 2023 Garland never explicates the real-life lead-up to civil destruction: corrupt pols who betray their constituents, the moral bankruptcy of society, the degradation of popular culture, and the temerity of rich journalists dedicated to whatever political power endows their privilege. —

Armond White, National Review, 12 Apr. 2024 And yet Hamas is gently tut-tutted like an innocent, errant child, while Israel is endless treated as responsible for Palestinian suffering by having the temerity to fight back against Hamas. —

Noah Rothman, National Review, 31 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for temerity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temerity

Noun

And Big Government had the gall to charge me $35 to get in?

Peter Rubin, Longreads, 19 Sep. 2024
The females will then find a gall, or a growth on a plant caused by mites, insects or some other kind of infestation.

Li Cohen, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2024