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

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 adventurous This option will suit those who are adventurous and looking to make a statement. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Murphy proved her adventurous spirit in Zimbabwe, taking on the gorge swing — a 70-meter free fall over the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls. Nasha Smith, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Concerning the avant-garde, John Quinn, the visionary behind the 1913 Armory Show, was more adventurous, leaning into Cubism and Duchamp’s radical experiments where Barnes balked. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 There were also retro-inspired looks and adventurous takes on office attire, as well as a few nods to the filmmaker David Lynch, who died in January. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adventurous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adventurous
Adjective
  • This film is a beautiful blend of personal storytelling that highlights River Gallo’s personal journey and interweaves a daring and propulsive thriller.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Wooster Group at 50: Elizabeth LeCompte and Kate Valk reflect on decades of making daring theater together.
    Alan Light, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Zoom in: Seattle's beauty, brainpower, and bold investments are powering its rise in global rankings, according to the report researched by Ipsos and published by marketing firm Resonance.
    Christine Clarridge, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But such a bold move could very well lead to Johnson getting a pink slip from his caucus, as his Speakership barely happened, and only then with Trump’s intervention.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Those are the types of questions courageous politicians should be embracing.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • With 72% of employees avoiding conflict, missed opportunities cost organizations dearly—but teams leveraging the simplest collaboration tools can more easily foster courageous communication and experience a 79% boost in transparency and effectiveness.
    Keith Ferrazzi, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In her public appearances and on social media, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has become a symbol of fearless resistance to the Trump administration’s bullying.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The eclectic evening highlighted what is at the core of both Mosshart's artistry and Lotan's design ethos: fearless self-expression.
    Gaby Keiderling, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Malavasi, whose story is little known outside Reggio Emilia, is one of four brave heroines featured in historian Suzanne Cope’s new book, Women of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
  • This is another stark reminder of the selfless sacrifice of our brave military men and women who risk their lives around the world every day to keep us safe.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 1 Apr. 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
  • More enterprising security teams escort clients to boats on the Hudson, hoping for passage.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Still, more enterprising migrants might continue to the United States.
    Peter D'Abrosca, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Clients who check their investments frequently tend to experience more anxiety and are more likely to make impulsive changes.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • In Trump's impulsive first term, Waltz might've been fired.
    Marc Caputo, Axios, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adventurous. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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