effrontery
- noun
- /ɪˈfrʌntəri/
- Formal
- He had the effrontery to demand a raise after only one week on the job.
- such effrontery
- even greater effrontery
Examples
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Oh, you'll pay for this effrontery, Barbara.
Fiction book (1999) -
He had the effrontery to ask if I'd have dinner with him tonight.
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Not once in my 1 7 years... has anyone had the effrontery to test me at anything.
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No British gentleman, having done so, would have the effrontery to set foot in this club.
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And now you may punish me for my effrontery.
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But not content with that, you've got the effrontery to come here and lie.
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Nuclear weaponry threatens the very existence of the planet and they have the effrontery to call it defence.
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You've just been elevated to tribune and you have the effrontery to ask for more?
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To presume that I would deign to touch you however, is the height of effrontery.
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You have the manners of a spoiled brat and the effrontery of an unbridled egotist!
Synonyms
Rude boldness that shows no shame
Rude behavior or speech toward someone in authority
Bold behavior that shows no respect for others
Rude behavior or remarks that show a lack of respect
A way of acting that is too bold, loud, and rude
Shameless boldness that ignores what people consider proper
Being too confident in a rude way
Very bold, shameless actions that ignore normal rules
Antonyms
How Bold
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word effrontery comes from a word for front meaning 'forehead', imagining someone who shows their face without shame. So effrontery is bold, shameless behavior that shocks or offends others.