chutzpah

noun

ˈhu̇t-spə How to pronounce chutzpah (audio)
variants also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa
Definition of chutzpahnext
as in gall
shameless boldness had the chutzpah to demand that he be treated as a special case and be given priority in settling his insurance claim

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 That is what makes Operation Spiderweb such a breathtaking combination of chutzpah and expertise. —Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025 The most important qualification of all is chutzpah. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025 With characteristic chutzpah, Hepburn angled for larger roles than she would otherwise be considered for by arguing that her friends and family would fill the auditorium. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025 Best Amazon Kitchen Deals The Big Spring Sale is the perfect time to replace any old kitchen gadgets and cookware that has since lost its chutzpah. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chutzpah
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chutzpah
  1. gall
  2. nerve
  3. brass
  4. arrogance
  5. audacity
Noun
  • This crisis has shown us which world leaders will not only consent to this genocide, but brutally discipline their populations for having the gall to question it.
    — Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Then there are parasitic wasps, which lay their eggs in the galls and go on to devour the entire oak gall wasp.
    — Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Definition of gall
Noun
  • Take some time to relax after a hectic day of work and school by spending quality time together listening to music—hey, maybe these songs will even inspire a dance party to shake out some of the day’s nerves.
    — Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Speaking on a podcast last year, Kirk described receiving frequent death threats, saying the dangerous messages showed his political movement had struck a nerve with political opponents.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of nerve
Noun
  • Seven levels of the gallery rise around a central staircase of frosted glass and ornate brass balustrades that seem to float upward, and a glass modern elevator that blends modern with classical chic.
    — Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • This was unacceptable to the top NASA brass.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of brass
Noun
  • This arrogance is not just limited to tech titans.
    — Christian Josi, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025
  • These traits do not always show up as arrogance.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Another member of the study panel had the audacity to endorse former President Biden for his climate policies.
    — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The series will highlight the unbridled audacity of young men not just leveling up, but determined to become legends in the game.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of audacity

Browse Nearby Words

chutes
chutzpah
cicerone
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Cite this Entry

“Chutzpah.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chutzpah. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of chutzpah for Spanish Speakers

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