FOOLHARDY Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

foolhardy

adjective

ˈfül-ˌhär-dē

Definition of foolhardy next

as in reckless

foolishly adventurous or bold hikers who were foolhardy enough to remain on the summit during a thunderstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in daring

having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions it's foolhardy to go hiking during late fall without warm clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 And if even one state’s bioweapons program experimented with extinction-level pathogens—perhaps on a foolhardy quest to develop the ultimate deterrent—the next laboratory accident could precipitate a global pandemic much worse than that of COVID-19. —

William MacAskill, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2022 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 See all Example Sentences for foolhardy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolhardy

Adjective

Donald Trump’s stance on nuclear weapons has been one of obsessive and reckless bombast.

Abe Streep, The New Yorker, 27 Dec. 2024
Sargeant was charged with two counts of first degree assault, two counts of first degree reckless endangerment, and several second degree counts for menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

Stepheny Price, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024