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

The park is now a stop for the more adventurous sightseers, or researchers cataloging the species that call the island home. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025

Sometimes gratitude came easily, such as when Deb helped their kids, who were picky eaters, become more adventurous. —Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025

But every adventure partnership has limits, and the more adventurous a couple, the more likely that each partner will have to negotiate doing big things solo—or, sometimes, being the one left behind. —Blair Braverman, Outside Online, 8 May 2025

For those more adventurous types – tarantula migrations happen in the late summer. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 7 May 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