overbold

adjective

over·​bold ˌō-vər-ˈbōld 

: 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 overbold …

—William 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

Synonyms

• audacious
• brash
• daredevil
• foolhardy
• madcap
• overconfident
• reckless
• temerarious

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above