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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective foolhardy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of foolhardy are adventurous, daredevil, daring, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Where would adventurous be a reasonable alternative to foolhardy?

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

adventurous pioneers

When is daredevil a more appropriate choice than foolhardy?

The words daredevil and foolhardy can be used in similar contexts, but daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for foolhardy?

The words daring and foolhardy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When might rash be a better fit than foolhardy?

In some situations, the words rash and foolhardy are roughly equivalent. However, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When can reckless be used instead of foolhardy?

While in some cases nearly identical to foolhardy, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When is it sensible to use venturesome instead of foolhardy?

While the synonyms venturesome and foolhardy are close in meaning, 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 foolhardy The brave—or foolhardy—among us can even love to love it. Simon Garfield, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2024 The resulting foolhardy litigation cost city taxpayers more than $3.7 million in legal fees. Mercury News Editorial, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024 In their three preseason games the Browns chose not to play any of their regulars - including, and especially Watson - a decision that seemed dubious in the moment, and foolhardy in light of the team’s embarrassing showing in Sunday’s first game of the season. Jim Ingraham, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Living at such a low elevation in a part of the country that has been torn up by hurricanes repeatedly might seem foolhardy. Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for foolhardy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolhardy
Adjective
  • He was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, according to court records obtained by PEOPLE.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The original charges — three felony counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and one misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct — were pled down this week.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • In 1910, a quarter of a million people had spent 10 days swooning over the Los Angeles International Aviation Meet — the nation’s first daredevil airshow.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Planes were first introduced into combat service during World War I, and the pioneering pilots who manned them became masters of the air, deploying daredevil maneuvers to outwit the enemy.
    Kinsey Gidick, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near foolhardy

Cite this Entry

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

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