chutzpah

variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa

Synonym Chooser

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

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 chutzpah Few medieval women had the chutzpah to petition a court for past dues, much less the pope’s. Joelle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 The decision to limit the groovy Thundercat riff that opens this to a skit is a crazy flex, and the lyrics that follow only up the chutzpah. Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 There’s only one word for it: chutzpah, an extreme level of audacity, gall or nerve. Steve Bousquet, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2025 For the most part, director and co-screenwriter James Mangold — along with co-screenwriter Jay Cocks — do a commendable job showing how the iconic Bob Dylan is not only talented but rather prickly and arrogant — a creative force with the talent and chutzpah to ennoble change. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for chutzpah
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chutzpah
Noun
  • The members of my party have the gall to request several of these demonic items from the livid waiter.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • Lia Thomas stole a medal through deceit, and this rag has the gall to call him a 'champion'?
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • But this time around, Alix didn’t even have time to let the nerves kick in.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • On Paramount’s storied lot in 2018, studio brass and partner Skydance gave the go-ahead for Tom Cruise to make two more Mission: Impossible movies following the massive success of Fallout.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
  • The team kept the original wooden floors, exposed terracotta brickwork, and ceiling beams alongside brass, iron, and stone details.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • The film sardonically conjures a golden age of interventionist arrogance.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
  • Here are the more common ways insecurities can manifest themselves: • Confidence will turn into arrogance.
    Bill English, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The attack showed how much audacity, ingenuity, and effectiveness the Ukrainians can bring to their own defense when Western leaders aren’t pressuring them to hold back.
    Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
  • The Timberwolves, fresh off a run to the Western Conference Finals last season, had the audacity to move off their second-best player to acquire Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo (and a future first round pick).
    Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chutzpah. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chutzpah

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!