adventurous

adjective

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rəs 

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

Synonyms of adventurous

• daring
• bold
• courageous
• fearless
• brave
• adventuresome
• venturous
• enterprising
• impulsive
• hardy
• venturesome

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

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Sheep in the Box Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda returns with his most conceptually adventurous film since Air Doll (2009). —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026

Available in two different colorways, conservative design connoisseurs will likely find comfort in the classic blue and natural beige color combo, while the punchy purple and green option might entice those with more adventurous color appetites. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2026

For groups seeking something more adventurous, Eco Xperiences offers off-road UTV rides through the Baja desert, an exhilarating way to explore the landscape together. —Latifah Al Hazza, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

For those with a more adventurous travel style, the bright Newshows Lightweight Button-down Cardigan will elevate even the simplest pieces it’s paired with. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026

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

Kids Definition

adventurous

adjective

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rəs 

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