daring 1 of 3

daring

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noun

daring

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verb

present participle of dare

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective daring contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daring are adventurous, daredevil, foolhardy, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When is it sensible to use adventurous instead of daring?

The meanings of adventurous and daring largely overlap; however, adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

In what contexts can daredevil take the place of daring?

Although the words daredevil and daring have much in common, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When can foolhardy be used instead of daring?

In some situations, the words foolhardy and daring are roughly equivalent. However, 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 daring?

The synonyms rash and daring are sometimes interchangeable, but rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When would reckless be a good substitute for daring?

The words reckless and daring are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When could venturesome be used to replace daring?

While the synonyms venturesome and daring are close in meaning, venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

Example 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 daring
Adjective
While their small stature doesn't stop them from attempting daring leaps onto furniture, their bodies are particularly prone to back injuries, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a common condition among dachshunds. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 While their signature aesthetics range from colorful and pattern-packed to sleek and contemporary, these Atlanta firms aren’t afraid to take design risks—as seen in their daring uses of color, eye-catching materials, and one-of-a-kind custom furnishings. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
Challengers prevailed, in a sense, by having both the polish of the former and the daring of the latter. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The mixture of tradition and daring also characterizes the spirit of the New York City Ballet. Ian Malone, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024
Verb
Against the Vikings in Week 10, the Jags played the highest percentage of two high safety snaps in a game — a shockingly passive approach — daring Darnold to consistently find shorter completions. Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 First off, most studio horror films don’t take anywhere near the kind of risks that this daring genre flick takes. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daring
Adjective
  • In Shanghai, China, at No. 8, thousands of years of food history have been perfected in today’s adventurous culinary scene.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
  • One cat’s adventurous life forced some of the city’s top officials, including the police chief and several running for office in next month’s elections, to leave City Hall and talk solutions Wednesday on the streets where Carrot once roamed.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is all about new beginnings, courage and fresh starts.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Zegler’s Snow White is a princess who not only finds true love but also the courage to be the type of leader that her late father taught her to be.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And don’t overlook the impact that challenging engineering and construction conditions can have on your calculations.
    Katherine Latham, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • When proposing changes or challenging existing practices, presenting ideas at the right time is essential.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The world’s multilateral architecture is the best mechanism humanity has for confronting existential transnational threats.
    Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Any return to play in England would entail Henderson confronting the subject again.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • From the lobby to rooms, restaurants, and the rooftop, neutral backdrops are layered with metallic accents, and bold and energetic colors like emerald green, saffron yellow, fiery chili pepper red, and Mediterranean blue.
    Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • After years of pandemic fallout, opioid deaths, and declining public trust, the agency needs bold, decisive leadership.
    Michael Mina, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Mixed in with small pleasures and petty disputes with her older sister are true feats of survival and bravery.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The show’s bravery in exploring mature topics, like infertility, has also moved parents.
    Leena Tailor, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • One advantage facing the Buccaneers is travel.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
  • So what is the biggest threat facing the world in 2025?
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • LaBruce’s idiosyncrasy is connected to the fearless audacity of his brave, tragic inspiration, Pasolini.
    Armond White, National Review, 19 Mar. 2025
  • At the same time, Scott’s act of mass ventriloquism—patient, playful, physically astute and ultimately brave—clarifies something at the heart of Chekhov’s play.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Daring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daring. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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