enterprising

adjective

en·​ter·​pris·​ing ˈen-tər-ˌprī-ziŋ How to pronounce enterprising (audio)
ˈen-tə-ˌprī-
Synonyms of enterprisingnext
: marked by an independent energetic spirit and by readiness to act
an enterprising young reporter

Examples of enterprising in a Sentence

As an enterprising young reporter, she covered many important stories. the company is claiming that there will be huge financial rewards for enterprising sales representatives
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the night, an enterprising photographer with a telephoto lens sneaked upstairs in a building opposite Children’s and found a window in line with Patrick’s room. Steven Levingston, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026 Keen observers, Anglophiles, and anyone who watches movies made before 1972 will notice more than a casual similarity to Kind Hearts and Coronets, the old Ealing comedy in which an enterprising young Dennis Price attempts to off his relatives in order to claim the family fortune. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026 Perhaps some enterprising Democrat or Republican will come along who exhibits more faith in our constitutional system, governs with the foresight that there are more elections to come than just the next one — and reaps the benefits. David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026 In the early years of fantasy football, the most enterprising commissioners would produce write-ups, type them up and mail them out. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enterprising

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enterprising was in 1601

Cite this Entry

“Enterprising.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enterprising. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

enterprising

adjective
en·​ter·​pris·​ing ˈent-ə(r)-ˌprī-ziŋ How to pronounce enterprising (audio)
: bold, active, and energetic in undertaking or experimenting

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