adventurous

adjective

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rəs How to pronounce adventurous (audio)
1
a
: disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown
an adventurous explorer
b
: innovative
an adventurous artistic style
2
: characterized by unknown dangers and risks
an adventurous journey
adventurously adverb
adventurousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for adventurous

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 adventurous in a Sentence

The island attracts adventurous travelers. He is an adventurous cook who is always trying new recipes. Her design is an adventurous departure from what we usually see. They have an adventurous lifestyle.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Today’s savvy travelers are chasing something deeper, more adventurous. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 As your child grows and becomes more adventurous, additions like a swimming pool or a trampoline can increase your rates. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025 Newman and Marnell, as the adventurous Bill and gentlemanly Harry, respectively, fully embrace their kooky characters and revel in their eccentricities, while Wallace imbues an affable nature and optimism to Sam. Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, which arrived at Port Canaveral earlier this month, has plenty of spaces to relax, new technology and adventurous ways to spend time onboard. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adventurous

Word History

Etymology

alteration (with -d- restored from Latin) of Middle English aventurous "occurring by chance, daring, seeking new exploits," borrowed from Anglo-French, from aventure adventure entry 1 + -ous -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of adventurous was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurous. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

adventurous

adjective
ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce adventurous (audio)
1
: ready to take risks or to deal with the new and unknown
adventurous explorers
2
: having unknown dangers and risks
an adventurous voyage
adventurously adverb
adventurousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on adventurous

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