impudence

American  

[im-pyuh-duhns] / ˈɪm pyə dəns /

Also impudency

noun

1. the quality or state of being impudent; effrontery; insolence.

   Synonyms:

   boldness, lip, face, brazenness, brass, rudeness, impertinence, gall, nerve, pertness, sauce, presumption

   Antonyms:

   courtesy

2. impudent conduct or language.

3. Obsolete. lack of modesty; shamelessness.

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impudence British  

/ ˈɪmpjʊdəns /

noun

1. the quality of being impudent

2. an impudent act or statement

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Etymology

Origin of impudence

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin impudentia shamelessness. See impudent, -ence

Example Sentences

“The impudence of a bawd is modesty compared with that of a convert,” said George Savile, the first marquess of Halifax.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Plus, so much of the post-defenestration discourse around Santos assumes that his impudence, on its own, opens the door to his next act: Perhaps a reality TV series?

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2023

This bathetic prelude is perhaps meant to communicate the man’s impudence, but it also readies the audience for a film of modest ambitions.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2023

The Mariners provided ample run support to allow Gilbert to attack with impudence.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2022

I let just the tiniest shred of impudence enter my voice.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou