adventurous

adjective

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown

an adventurous explorer

b

: innovative

an adventurous artistic style

2

: characterized by unknown dangers and risks

an adventurous journey

adventurously adverb

adventurousness noun

Synonyms

• adventuresome
• audacious
• bold
• daring
• dashing
• emboldened
• enterprising
• free-swinging
• gutsy
• hardy
• nerved
• nervy
• venturesome
• venturous

Choose the Right Synonym for adventurous

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense.

adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Examples of adventurous in a Sentence

The island attracts adventurous travelers.

He is an adventurous cook who is always trying new recipes.

Her design is an adventurous departure from what we usually see.

They have an adventurous lifestyle.

Recent Examples on the Web

An inquisitive, adventurous spirit appears to be the special sauce as long as it’s channeled and catalyzed in a healthy way. —Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Then my friend Kevin and I did an adventurous run/hike up Pyramid Buttes this September, and there was so much goddamn deadfall. —Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2024

But with this adventurous yarn of back alley deals and rooftop escapes, Grossman challenges the narrative of the Jewish pawnbroker in history, illustrating how prejudice marginalized and villainized an entire group of people. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024

So why not try wrapping up presents with one to add an adventurous flair? —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration (with -d- restored from Latin) of Middle English aventurous "occurring by chance, daring, seeking new exploits," borrowed from Anglo-French, from aventure adventure entry 1 + -ous -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

adventurous

adjective

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rəs 

1

: ready to take risks or to deal with the new and unknown

adventurous explorers

2

: having unknown dangers and risks

an adventurous voyage

adventurously adverb

adventurousness noun