gall 1 of 2

noun

ˈgȯl How to pronounce gall (audio)
Definition of gallnext
1
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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2
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

1
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

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2
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
3
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
Coordinators have rarely had the gall to try to run it in those spots, but the Lions did and scored. —Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 Jason, who Reed has the gall to say might not be worth avenging, does Helen one more good turn from beyond the grave. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
The indignity of it is galling. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 This fiction will be galling to some people, but deeply reassuring to others. —Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gall
  1. hostility
  2. nerve
  3. wear
  4. bother
  5. irritate
  6. grudge
  7. arrogance
  8. erode
Noun
  • Over the nearly 20 months since the hostilities began, Colin Clarke said there has been a radicalization effect in the U.S., particularly of the political left.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • Opposition to the war became hostility toward our own military.
    — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • But this time around, Alix didn’t even have time to let the nerves kick in.
    — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • However, Trump’s tariff pullbacks, pauses and negotiations with some trading partners may have calmed nerves for the time being.
    — Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of nerve
Verb
  • Sienna, 8, wore her hair in adorable pigtails while Ciara wore a middle part with loose curls pulled back.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 June 2025
  • At prosecutors’ request, the judge also ordered Killian to wear an electric ankle monitor, surrender his passport and to obey a curfew of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. if unemployed.
    — JOE MARUSAK, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025
Definition of wear
Verb
  • After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • Users do have to purchase such gadgets, learn how to utilize them, and put them on their body, however, which are all steps that many folks simply won't bother taking.
    — Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 May 2025
Definition of bother
Verb
  • There are pull-ups made with Velcro that can irritate your child’s skin, especially when misaligned.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
  • Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • The violence all allegedly stemmed from a workplace grudge triggered by a $100 equipment bill from his boss for damage to heavy construction equipment, authorities said.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • He’s been too busy winning state titles with the Bruins to get riled up about old grudges.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 June 2025
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • Opinion: America was gaslit by the arrogance of Joe Biden and his enablers.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
  • The arrogance of the IRS should shock the conscience of all Americans.
    — Chuck Flint, Boston Herald, 21 May 2025
Definition of arrogance
Verb
  • The persistent issue of greenwashing, where investments are promoted as sustainable without verifiable environmental benefits, has eroded trust and slowed market development.
    — Edoardo Francesco Sabatino, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Maryland’s coastlines are eroding at an alarming rate.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2025
Definition of erode

Browse Nearby Words

galilees
gall
gallant
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Cite this Entry

“Gall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gall. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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