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

• adventuresome
• audacious
• bold
• daring
• dashing
• emboldened
• enterprising
• free-swinging
• gutsy
• hardy
• nerved
• nervy
• venturesome
• venturous

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

In a remarkable twist, Max disembarks the boat and visits his twin brother on land, who turns out to be a less adventurous version of Max. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 17 Apr. 2025

The brand defines its culture by its people, of course, as adventurous, disciplined, and especially thrilled by the heyday of World Cup soccer stars like Diego Maradona. —Simon Mainwaring, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Meet Amber Sparks' Happy People Don't Live Here (Exclusive) As the book opens, Poppy has just lost her sister Dandelion, a vibrant, adventurous woman who died ahead of her 40th birthday. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Luna Sulien Venus Nyx Cosmo Atom Rigel Stella Nebula Apollo Vega Andromeda Celestia Sol Lyra Comet Artemis Sirius Cassiopeia Galaxy Cosima Skye More Futuristic Baby Names Inspired by Nature Nature is majestic and wild—a constant source of inspiration for adventurous, courageous spirits. —Fiona Tapp, Parents, 10 Apr. 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