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 The epic drive on Route 1 from Ragged Point to Carmel, with its steep cliffs, hairpin turns, and magnificent ocean views, is a must-do for any adventurous soul. A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 4 June 2025 The Knight of Wands is an exciting, adventurous energy to carry you through the month. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025 For less adventurous palates, there will be barbecue and funnel cake vendors among about 30. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025 Director Robert Zemeckis finds mixed results marrying broad comedy and pop-culture references with the title wooden boy's adventurous quest to become a real kid. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for adventurous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adventurous
Adjective
  • The Russian missile attack on Ukraine comes days after Ukraine’s security service launched a series of daring, large-scale drone attacks deep into Russia, striking airfields and hitting 41 Russian military aircrafts.
    Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • His career was built around the principles that a great idea can come from anywhere, a box office triumph is meant to be shared by an entire team and our creative choices need to be bold and daring.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Now retired, Nouveau Chapeau is helping Charis get back to bolder colors and patterns.
    Emiene Wright, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
  • The pitch promises a bold new voice in European adult animation.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • On June 26, Mercury’s debut in Leo inspires us to be more expressive, confident and courageous in our exchanges.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Sebastian Carmona became the lead plaintiff and was joined by other courageous Salinas Valley farmworkers.
    Ignacio Ornelas Rodriguez, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, there are the newcomers, fearless, fast, and ready to shake things up.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Bred in Germany centuries ago to hunt badgers, dachshunds were designed to be persistent and fearless.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The most beautiful, kind, wise, brave, powerful people in my life.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025
  • His range, from adventurous spirit to lovestruck teen to brave hero, plays across his face with ease.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The newly-hyperactive Apple and Amazon, which control relatively few franchises, are more adventuresome with originals than the older studios.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • While some enterprising users are already 3D printing solutions to this problem, Nintendo or some smart accessory maker should make a more official mouse holster to support this unique control scheme.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • Their hope is pinned on the idea that an enterprising AI developer will miraculously see beyond the bounds of existing AI and derive a groundbreaking new approach that no one has yet even imagined.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although bad things do happen to him, they are often caused by his own careless and impulsive nature.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Move slowly and be careful about impulsive ideas and actions.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adventurous. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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