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effrontery

effrontery

3 9.2
Rude shameless behavior that shocks other people
  • noun
  • /ɪˈfrʌntəri/
  • Formal
translation icon : desfachatez
  • He had the effrontery to demand a raise after only one week on the job.
  • such effrontery
  • even greater effrontery

Examples

  • 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.

  • Not once in my 1 7 years... has anyone had the effrontery to test me at anything.

  • No British gentleman, having done so, would have the effrontery to set foot in this club.

  • And now you may punish me for my effrontery.

  • But not content with that, you've got the effrontery to come here and lie.

  • Nuclear weaponry threatens the very existence of the planet and they have the effrontery to call it defence.

  • You've just been elevated to tribune and you have the effrontery to ask for more?

  • To presume that I would deign to touch you however, is the height of effrontery.

  • You have the manners of a spoiled brat and the effrontery of an unbridled egotist!

Synonyms

gall
vseffrontery
24 8.1

Rude boldness that shows no shame

is the general idea of shameless, arrogant behaviour that causes offence
insolence
vseffrontery
19 7.2

Rude behavior or speech toward someone in authority

applies more widely to shameless offensiveness, not limited to authority targets
presumption
vseffrontery
7 7.2

Bold behavior that shows no respect for others

is stronger in shocking impudence rather than only overstepping bounds
impertinence
vseffrontery
7 8.1

Rude behavior or remarks that show a lack of respect

describes broader shameless bold behaviour, not only impolite remarks
brashness
vseffrontery
3 6.8

A way of acting that is too bold, loud, and rude

stresses shameless offence and arrogance rather than flashy or careless style
brazenness
vseffrontery
2 7.3

Shameless boldness that ignores what people consider proper

emphasises offence and arrogance rather than focused defiance against rules
presumptuousness
vseffrontery
1 8.7

Being too confident in a rude way

focuses more on shameless, offensive boldness than mere overconfidence
brazen behavior
vseffrontery
1 6.7

Very bold, shameless actions that ignore normal rules

covers that shameless conduct but also includes rude arrogant boldness broadly

Antonyms

105 3.8

Being modest and not thinking you are better than other people

15 3.8

Dressing or behaving to avoid attracting attention and not show off

7 5.8

Feeling too shy or afraid to try new things

How Bold

effrontery
  • Formal
3 9.2
audacity
47 6.0
impudence
8 7.7
cheek
  • Informal
125 6.1

Surface Forms

effrontery singular
effronteries plural

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.