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.

It is reprisal and revenge against a group that had the temerity to oppose hate wherever it originates.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 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

Hardly anyone has the temerity to stand up to it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

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

No one even knew Major de Coverley’s first name, because no one had ever had the temerity to ask him.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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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