overbold

adjective

over·​bold ˌō-vər-ˈbōld How to pronounce overbold (audio)
: excessively bold: such as
a
: having or showing an undue lack of fear or caution : rash, foolhardy
an overbold assertion/plan
Advanced canoeists call overbold beginners "turkeys," and there usually are flocks of them out in rented canoes on waters where they don't belong.Gail Bradshaw
b
: excessively presumptuous or impudent
… beldams as you are, / Saucy and overboldWilliam Shakespeare
He was, perhaps, overbold in daring his bosses to punish him …Kevin Cook
c
: excessively prominent or conspicuous
It styles itself as a boutique hotel, but the decor is fairly old-fashioned, with patterned carpets and overbold wallpapers.Nick Trend

Examples of overbold in a Sentence

one overbold tourist almost tumbled over the rocks and into the sea

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overbold was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near overbold

Cite this Entry

“Overbold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbold. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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