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 At Cafe Mado in Brooklyn, the heart of an adventurous tasting-menu restaurant beats within a relaxed comfort-food retreat. Koren Shadmi, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Marrakech is just the tip of an iceberg that’s of great interest to adventurous leisure travelers. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 The massive solo female travel trend is driven by a surge in women seeking independence, safety, and deeper cultural connections through structured yet adventurous experiences, says Barnes. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2025 Grab your skis and head into the backcountry: Want an activity that’s a bit more adventurous than alpine skiing? Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adventurous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adventurous
Adjective
  • Indie filmmakers can make the daring projects a studio never would and do so on the cheap.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025
  • They were rescued on July 2, 2008, in a daring military extraction known as Operation Jaque.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Fifty years ago, some Catholic leaders were wiser and bolder.
    Celia Viggo Wexler, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Not meant to be taken literally, the twist after a shocking act violence reads like the materialization of Ali’s desire to be a bolder, more stereotypically masculine iteration of himself.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • For example, a person might intend to be courageous (cognition), but fear (affect) and a fight-or-flight response (physiology) can hinder action (behavior).
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Merging fearless expression with limitless possibility, the collection brings together BAPE’s streetwear legacy and KidSuper’s artistic approach, creating a bold new world of fashion and art under the theme A Super Ape.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
  • This legislation will cement his status in our nation's capital as our fearless commander-in-chief, extraordinary leader, and relentless champion for the American people.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Editor’s picks Most artists were given just three or four songs, but longtime Light of Day champion Jesse Malin was allowed to play 13 as part of his brave return to the stage.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Cold Climate Adaptations: Reliable Energy in Harsh Environments For users who brave extreme temperatures, such as winter campers or marine operators navigating early-morning chills, LiTime’s batteries offer advanced cold-weather capabilities.
    Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
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
  • With the timeline for TikTok’s app store return unclear, some enterprising individuals are taking advantage: thousands of eBay listings have popped up advertising phones with TikTok installed, as Wired first reported.
    Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
  • That’s why many enterprising attorneys have begun building entire practices around suing organizations that violate privacy laws or mishandle sensitive consumer information.
    Will Sweeney, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • New York Jets League perception: This is seen as the toughest job because of an impulsive owner (Woody Johnson) and an unforgiving, relentless media market.
    Mike Sando, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Don’t make impulsive financial decisions during this transit — take a moment to reflect on your long-term goals and whether your resources support them.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near adventurous

Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adventurous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on adventurous

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