Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective adventurous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adventurous are daredevil, daring, foolhardy, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

When would daredevil be a good substitute for adventurous?

The words daredevil and adventurous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When is it sensible to use daring instead of adventurous?

In some situations, the words daring and adventurous are roughly equivalent. However, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When can foolhardy be used instead of adventurous?

The words foolhardy and adventurous can be used in similar contexts, but foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

When is rash a more appropriate choice than adventurous?

While in some cases nearly identical to adventurous, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When could reckless be used to replace adventurous?

Although the words reckless and adventurous have much in common, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

In what contexts can venturesome take the place of adventurous?

The synonyms venturesome and adventurous are sometimes interchangeable, but venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

Examples 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 adventurous Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin lead a sprawling ensemble that traverses America, heading West, in this epic story, a limited series for Netflix that is a raw, adventurous exploration of the birth of the American West. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024 Ziplining brings out the adventurous spirit in those who enjoy viewing the landscape from a high altitude perspective. Roger Sands, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 The adventurous New York art-rock crew reunites for its first gigs since 2019. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 The month begins with a new moon in adventurous Sagittarius on December 1, a powerful time to set expansive intentions and think big for your future. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adventurous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adventurous
Adjective
  • More recently, on October 26, 2024, Israel executed its most daring suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses since Mole Cricket 19, carried out over a greater distance and against more targets than the sole target of Operation Opera.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Similar to how Pugh swiped liner above and across her upper eyelid for a bold and otherworldly look, this is your sign to be daring and experimental with your makeup.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Established in 1755, Gautier produces Cognacs known for their bold and fruity flavors.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s red carpet looks are often bold and colorful or conceptually fantastical, taking up space and demanding attention.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Sometimes, being a truly courageous knight means stepping back, creating space for growth and allowing something beautiful and new to flourish—for both you and your partner.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
  • And finally, that the best way to be a beacon for the disability community, while honoring my personal experience, is to be myself: flawed, courageous, and terrified at the same time, constantly learning, happy to ask for help, loud in the face of injustice, and proudly disabled.
    Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan, TIME, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Your series takes a fearless approach to addressing taboo topics like ageism, consumerism and political correctness.
    Caroline Tell, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Foremost among these campaigners was Josephine Butler, a fearless advocate for women’s rights who lived in the British port city of Liverpool in the mid-nineteenth century.
    Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Brit made several brave attempts to take the lead while Verstappen fiercely defended – actions from both drivers threatened to venture into the ‘reckless’ category.
    Sam Joseph, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Opinions on Penny remain sharply divided: some portray the now 26-year-old architecture student as a brave protector, while others see him as a white vigilante who took the life of a troubled Black man in need of assistance.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • However, college kids and teens are adventuresome travel companions who enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, fine dining, and cool shopping.
    Jackie Burrell, Parents, 29 July 2024
  • Using your physical attributes to get things done will be satisfying and encourage you to be adventuresome.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 15 July 2024
Adjective
  • Missed by the Austrians is that Treasury’s borrowing power has nothing to do with intensely simplistic notions about printing presses, and everything to do with the sad fact that Treasury has taxable access to the production of the most enterprising people on earth.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • For the slightly more enterprising, there’s always Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where an Ikea item with a little more life in it might actually be worth it to someone to hop on the subway and lug it home.
    Lindy Segal, Curbed, 18 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • One league source wouldn’t put the Bears anywhere near the same level of deterrence as the New York Jets, whose owner, Woody Johnson, has a reputation for being impulsive and volatile.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 30 Nov. 2024
  • Does the child make impulsive decisions that might be regretted later?
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near adventurous

Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adventurous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on adventurous

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