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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
  • Tyrone Rogers, 17, pleaded guilty Monday to armed robbery, attempted armed robbery as a party to a crime, first-degree reckless endangering safety and driving or operating a vehicle without an owner's consent.
    Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Once she is medically cleared she will be booked at Santa Rita Jail on assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, reckless evading of a peace officer, failure to obey a court order and resisting arrest with an enhancement of committing a felony while out on her own recognizance.
    Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Mai appeared in a daring backless dress with a high halter neck.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • His drumming was essential to the daring leap the Bee Gees made into the disco years, providing an insistent pulse for some of the decade’s most memorable hits.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Campbell famously established a courageous tone in his introductory press conference and then backed it up on the field, going for it on 118 fourth downs between 2021 and 2023, 14 more attempts than any other team during that span.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Lemon Bay, a Cinderella team that was below .500 in its regular season, was courageous but unable to match Bishop Moore’s big hitters, seniors Anika Groom (Georgia Tech commit) and Leah McDonald (UNF).
    Buddy Collings, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This too carries a whiff of desperation, as though people are intentionally putting on a brave face and shoving forward symbols of our collective creativity and togetherness.
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The game's protagonist is as brave and strong as the original, yes, but much more chipper, with a quip, joke or pun for almost every interaction.
    Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 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
  • Chances are good our adventurous readers have taken a trip that’s right up your alley — and then shared not only their travel adventures but their practical tips, too.
    Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
  • While best known for its flashy entertainment and adventurous activities — from bumper cars and ice skating to surfing and indoor skydiving simulators — Royal Caribbean offers something for all types of travelers.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near foolhardy

Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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