RECKLESS Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'reckless' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reckless are adventurous , daredevil , daring , foolhardy , rash , and venturesome . While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences. // a reckless driver

Q: When can 'adventurous' be used instead of 'reckless'?

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

Q: When might 'daredevil' be a better fit than 'reckless'?

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

Q: When would 'daring' be a good substitute for 'reckless'?

The synonyms daring and reckless are sometimes interchangeable, but daring implies fearlessness in courting danger. // daring mountain climbers

Q: In what contexts can 'foolhardy' take the place of 'reckless'?

While the synonyms foolhardy and reckless are close in meaning, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense. // the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Q: Where would 'rash' be a reasonable alternative to 'reckless'?

The words rash and reckless can be used in similar contexts, but rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought. // a rash decision

Q: When could 'venturesome' be used to replace 'reckless'?

While in some cases nearly identical to reckless , venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings. // venturesome stunt pilots

reckless

adjective

ˈre-kləs

Definition of reckless next

as in daring

having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions the reckless skiers were making everyone nervous by schussing down the mountainside at lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in courageous

foolishly adventurous or bold the calamitous accident was caused by a reckless driver who cut off the semitrailer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective reckless contrast with its synonyms?

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

a reckless driver

When can adventurous be used instead of reckless?

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

adventurous pioneers

When might daredevil be a better fit than reckless?

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

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for reckless?

The synonyms daring and reckless are sometimes interchangeable, but daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

In what contexts can foolhardy take the place of reckless?

While the synonyms foolhardy and reckless are close in meaning, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Where would rash be a reasonable alternative to reckless?

The words rash and reckless can be used in similar contexts, but rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When could venturesome be used to replace reckless?

While in some cases nearly identical to reckless, 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 reckless But then, with just over 15 minutes remaining, Danso lunged into a reckless tackle on Scott McTominay and received a second yellow card. —

Jay Harris, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025 All six suspects were arrested on accusations of first-degree reckless endangering, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and multiple fireworks offenses. —

Audrey McAvoy The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 1 Feb. 2025 He was placed under arrest and charged with reckless driving, disobeying the signal of an officer, engaging police in a pursuit, failure to drive in proper lane, improper passing-unsafe distance and second-degree reckless endangerment, according to the Connecticut State Police. —

Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2025 Frank Santoro with the L.A. County district attorney’s office argued the probation department was making the necessary improvements and releasing youth inside would be reckless. —

Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reckless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reckless

Adjective

Told with elements inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Maura's newest book — featuring a magical princess and the Shadow Emperor — is a daring entry into the hottest new subgenre of romance.

— Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Amid the criticism, there were a couple of voices of support among MAGA Republicans for the president’s daring proposal.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025