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

• 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

After criticism for pragmatic approaches in big games, Mikel Arteta was finally adventurous in his team selection, and Arsenal looked better for it against Newcastle United. —Art De Roché, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

Power of Nature was created to close this ‘nature gap’ and help transform the next generation from anxious to adventurous. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

What’s On The Menu JumpinGoat is a playground for adventurous coffee lovers. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

Over the last decade, the adventurous family has shared videos surfing with sharks, tandem scuba diving and sledding in Italy, among other things. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

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