daredevil

1 of 2

adjective

dare·​dev·​il ˈder-ˌde-vᵊl 

: recklessly and often ostentatiously daring

daredevil

2 of 2

noun

: a recklessly bold person

daredevilry

ˈder-ˌde-vᵊl-rē 

noun

daredeviltry

ˈder-ˌde-vᵊl-trē 

noun

Synonyms of daredevil

Adjective

• reckless
• courageous
• brave
• adventurous
• daring
• foolhardy
• heroic

Noun

• cowboy
• devil
• madman

Choose the Right Synonym for daredevil

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense.

adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Examples of daredevil in a Sentence

Adjective

his daredevil stunts are sure to end in disaster someday

a daredevil driver who thinks that drag racing on city streets is a harmless game

Noun

He has always been a bit of a daredevil.

that little daredevil has broken an arm and an ankle this year alone

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In addition to decades of performing his own impossible feats for the sake and sanctity of cinema, Cruise has lately taken to showing off his daredevil talents at sporting events worldwide. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026

The daredevil couple, who scaled the building dressed in dark outfits and masks, were each charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and an additional charge related to the incident. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Noun

While running with bulls is a cherished local custom for Spanish daredevils, Americans are still the leading group of foreigners who run at the San Fermin festival. — ABC News, 6 July 2026

On July 1, Russian daredevils climbed to the tip of the building's spire before getting engaged, and then arrested. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1727, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for daredevil

• multilevel
• bevel
• devil
• level
• sublevel

Kids Definition

daredevil

noun

dare·​dev·​il

ˈda(ə)r-ˌdev-əl, 

ˈde(ə)r-

: a recklessly bold person

daredevil adjective