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

Its gear tunnel and specs are a great match for drivers who lead an adventurous lifestyle. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 3 June 2026

Belgrade, Serbia — The Serbian capital is adventurous, loud and shaped by a chaotic past. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

However, this gradually fades as Rimbaud goes from an adventurous youth in London and Paris to a forward-thinking colonial envoy in Algeria decades later — a passage of time marked by theatrical lighting cues — and Draper’s performance turns inward, becoming meaningfully introspective. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 June 2026

Open-minded, passionate, forthright and brave, Eva is well-educated, well-read, adventurous, generous of spirit, a world-traveler. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 June 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