GALL Synonyms: 253 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'gall' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of gall are audacity , cheek , chutzpah , effrontery , 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

Q: In what contexts can 'audacity' take the place of 'gall'?

In some situations, the words audacity and gall are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence. // an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

Q: When could 'effrontery' be used to replace 'gall'?

The meanings of effrontery and gall largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy. // outraged at his effrontery

Q: When is 'hardihood' a more appropriate choice than 'gall'?

The synonyms hardihood and gall are sometimes interchangeable, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance. // admired for her hardihood

Q: When might 'temerity' be a better fit than 'gall'?

The words temerity and gall can be used in similar contexts, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. // had the temerity to refuse

gall 1 of 2

noun

ˈgȯl

Definition of gall

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will her kindly feelings turned to gall when she found out her nephew only wanted her money

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nerve

shameless boldness I can't believe he had the gall to ask me how much I weigh

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

gall

2 of 2

verb

as in to wear

to damage or diminish by continued friction move that rope so the sharp edge of the hull doesn't gall it

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to bother

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts humming through your nose like that absolutely galls me

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to irritate

to make sore by continued rubbing tie your shoes so they don't gall your heels sliding on and off like that

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word gall different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of gall are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, 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

In what contexts can audacity take the place of gall?

In some situations, the words audacity and gall are roughly equivalent. However, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When could effrontery be used to replace gall?

The meanings of effrontery and gall largely overlap; however, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When is hardihood a more appropriate choice than gall?

The synonyms hardihood and gall are sometimes interchangeable, but hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When might temerity be a better fit than gall?

The words temerity and gall can be used in similar contexts, but 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 gall

Noun

This microscopic roundworm lays its eggs in root tissues, causing swellings or galls to develop on infected roots. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Feeding mites produce the fluffy gall that cannot be rubbed off the plants. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026

Verb

The thought of mailing in what has become a lost season was equally as galling for Green. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026 There’s no getting around paying taxes, but there’s something galling about paying for the privilege. — Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gall

Noun

Iran doubled down on its demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, insisting that the US and its allies unfreeze its assets and end hostilities across the region.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026
As the specter of rising interest rates and hostilities in the Middle East remain wildcards, skeptics are holding firm.

— Bloomberg, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

The brain coordinates muscles and nerves while also processing information about balance, vision and the environment around us.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
The Briton, an Olympic silver medallist and sixth fastest of all-time at this distance, held his nerve and form in the outside lane.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of nerve

Verb

Holmes opted for one of her must-have brands, wearing a layered and textured, silk cotton organza strapless dress from Fforme.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2026
Some more images show Kidman, Bullock, 62, King, 26, and Williams, 29, wearing flowing gowns while hooked onto wires, seemingly filming a scene that involves flying, in front of a blue screen.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of wear

Verb

The one issue that is bothering me at or just before launch is the CPU's Wear and Tear management.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.

— Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of bother

Verb

Lemon water can irritate teeth or stomach in large amounts and may need to be limited in people with advanced kidney disease who have fluid or potassium restrictions.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
Few things at airports irritate customers like filthy toilets or water on the restroom floor.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritate

Noun

Christian, convinced a nobleman had done it, had the man executed without much proof, a grudge that helped cost him his crown a few years later.

— Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Lynn Rogers, who served as Kelly’s first lieutenant governor and was later appointed state treasurer, said Lawrence is somebody who holds onto grudges.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of grudge

Verb

Hence the switch, a year or so after the film’s release, to a stadium now named after the latest in a long line of sponsors that, for all the vital money brought in, have slightly eroded identity.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
If Chinese production pushes hardware prices into a freefall, the collateral backing hundreds of billions in private loans could erode far faster than the terms of the debt itself, leaving investors exposed to losses, according to Emons.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of erode

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galilees

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gallant

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“Gall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gall. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gall

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verb

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