audacity

Gall beyond measure

Audacity is bold daring, often with a hint of recklessness or disregard for normal limits.

It can be admirable—the audacity to challenge authority, to attempt what others won't.

But it frequently carries disapproval, suggesting presumption or impudence: He had the audacity to ask for a raise after missing three deadlines.

The word implies that someone has crossed a line others would respect.

boldness

daring

Adventurous courage

chutzpah · pluck · spunk · mettle · backbone · tenacity · moxie · gall · temerity · brashness

shock

disbelief

Rejection of truth claims

indignation · scandal · gall · nerve · unbelievable · appalling · jaw-dropping · stunning · brazenness · shamelessness

defiance

impudence

Shameless boldness toward superiors

contempt · brazenness · shamelessness · irreverence · flippancy · cheekiness · sauciness · cockiness · presumptuousness · insubordination

innovation

originality

Novel creative quality

trailblazing · groundbreaking · unconventional · disruptive · boundary-pushing · risk-taking · experimentation · inventiveness · unorthodox · maverick

Categories
Opposites
boldness/courage

audacitytimidity

Fearful lack of courage

cowardice · fearfulness · faintheartedness · timorousness · timidness

social propriety

audacityhumility

Freedom from arrogance

modesty · courtesy · politeness · civility · mannerliness

self-assertion

audacityhumility

Freedom from arrogance

modesty · meekness · diffidence · bashfulness · reserve

Family

audacious, audaciously, audaciousness, audacities

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G