Synonyms for

Audacity

Verb / ɑ:ˈdæsʌti: / Another word for audacity — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The willingness to take bold risks.

Synonyms & similar words

audaciousness temerity boldness nerve guts bravery courage fearlessness daring recklessness temerity adventurousness adventurism intrepidity dauntlessness fearlessness heroism moxie spunk venturesomeness forwardness impudence

Synonyms by register

Formal

boldness nerve impertinence presumption

Informal

gall cheek brass chutzpah

Literary

daring temerity boldness

Antonyms

timidity cowardice shyness hesitation meekness bashfulness

Common collocations

  • sheer audacity
  • utter audacity
  • amazing audacity
  • audacity to ask
  • audacity to suggest
  • audacity to challenge
  • audacity of the plan

Word family

noun audacity
adjective audacious

Usage note

Audacity often implies a shocking or disrespectful boldness, sometimes with a negative connotation, though it can also describe admirable courage in the face of great odds.

Example sentences

  1. He had the audacity to jump off the high diving board.
  2. She showed great audacity by standing up to the bully.
  3. The politician had the audacity to lie to the public.
  4. It takes audacity to perform in front of a large audience.
  5. His audacity paid off when he won the race.

Quotes

  • "Audacity, more audacity, always audacity." - Georges Danton
  • "He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being." - Paul Tillich
  • "Fortune favors the audacious." - Desiderius Erasmus

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