Meaning & use
temerity
Excessive confidence or boldness that disregards danger or propriety.
See it in a sentence
She had the temerity to question the judge's ruling in open court.
It took real temerity for a junior employee to challenge the CEO's plan.
A note on using this word
Almost always used with a critical edge, often following 'had the temerity to,' to describe boldness seen as inappropriate or disrespectful.
Words with a similar meaning
audacitynerve
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
timidity
Make it your own
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