Definitions

temerity

[tuh-mer-i-tee] / təˈmɛr ɪ ti /

NOUN

nerve, audacity

Synonyms

STRONG

assurance boldness brass carelessness daring effrontery foolhardiness forwardness gall hardihood hastiness heedlessness impertinence impetuosity imprudence impudence impulsiveness indiscretion intrepidity intrusiveness overconfidence pluck precipitancy precipitateness precipitation presumption rashness recklessness rudeness thoughtlessness venturesomeness

Antonyms

STRONG

carefulness caution cowardice fear humility manners modesty politeness shyness

WEAK

care forethought hesitation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And she was never shy of questioning the very temerity of your questions, secure in her own power and authority despite not being adored by all Scottish voters.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

This has created what McElligott described as an asymmetric opportunity for any investor with the temerity to bet on a big rebound.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

That same year, Life magazine quoted an unnamed member of a symphony orchestra griping that Sinatra actually had the temerity to tell them what tempos he wanted his arrangements played in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025

How many generals and admirals in the audience were appalled that this talk show host and former major in the National Guard had the temerity to sneer at experienced combat commanders?

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2025

Oft doth reason, enthroned in the pillowed seraglio of the brain, hang back; whereas the flesh, which must walk abroad in the streets, finds its own temerity.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing temerity

To Kill a Mockingbird

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

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