adventurous

1 of 2

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

adventurousness

2 of 2

noun

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous·​ness

əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rəs-nəs also ad-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being adventurous

the insatiable adventurousness of man's imagination

—H. G. Wells

Synonyms of adventurous

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

The island’s allure is often centered around exhilaration—surfing on its west coast and exploring its fathomless forests—yet a calmer current of energy runs alongside this adventurous spirit. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

SUVs offered a more adventurous image, available all-wheel drive, greater towing capability in many cases and seemingly endless choices. — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

This wouldn’t be the first time Skarsgård has worn an adventurous Saint Laurent men’s shoe. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

The inside scoop For the culinarily adventurous, Suiran has launched a one-day fermentation expedition as part of the Luxury Collection’s itinerary that takes guests from Tokyo, to Kyoto, to Nara. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

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

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

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