Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective adventurous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adventurous are daredevil, daring, foolhardy, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

When would daredevil be a good substitute for adventurous?

The words daredevil and adventurous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When is it sensible to use daring instead of adventurous?

In some situations, the words daring and adventurous are roughly equivalent. However, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When can foolhardy be used instead of adventurous?

The words foolhardy and adventurous can be used in similar contexts, but foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

When is rash a more appropriate choice than adventurous?

While in some cases nearly identical to adventurous, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When could reckless be used to replace adventurous?

Although the words reckless and adventurous have much in common, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

In what contexts can venturesome take the place of adventurous?

The synonyms venturesome and adventurous are sometimes interchangeable, but venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of adventurous Arteta ended this block of matches before the international break by being adventurous against both Newcastle and West Ham, despite slightly different personnel making up that midfield unit. Art De Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025 Miller is never formally adventurous, though some of the art/artist parallels are illustrated in thoughtful split-screens. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2025 Similarly, the most adventurous of women have been noted heading to the salon requesting similar, looser perms for a wavy beach look (or a faux natural curly look). Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 In the series, Panda HoHo will form part of a trio of Brazilian animals, with a Golden Lion Tamarin, a symbol of Brazilian biodiversity, and Capy, an adventurous capybara. Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adventurous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adventurous
Adjective
  • Scientists and veterinarians teamed up for a daring yet delicate operation to remove a plastic strap from around a sea lion’s neck.
    Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Yet his film, even in its omissions, brims with strategic ingenuity and daring, cinematic and political—to fight other films’ empty fantasies with substantial ones, to battle other advocates’ pernicious myths with virtuous ones.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That connection—spiritual, communal, and generational—anchors Portrait, Joy’s third studio album and her boldest statement yet.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Alex Iniguez Our NHL staff shared one bold prediction for each team.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In her latest book, Strong Ground, Brown makes a compelling case that we’re not wired for this level of uncertainty, and risk losing focus on the core values of courageous and sustainable leadership.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • This was a fearless and courageous person.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That conviction comes alive across Portrait, a lush and fearless record co-produced by veteran trumpeter Brian Lynch.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Oct. 2025
  • This was a fearless and courageous person.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That is just a fraction of the workers harmed; that number is merely the number brave enough to speak up, risking all their future jobs.
    Arabelle Sicardi, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • In mitigation, Tottenham have built a squad that does possess the players to link the midfield and attack, but with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both out injured for the coming months, there is a need for more midfield players to be braver when progressing the ball.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But what is liberated in the eventual production is an adventuresome process in keeping with the grand scale of the story that the film tells.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Ke'Bryan Hayes is admittedly still trying to get his bearings after eight adventuresome days.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether it’s jet-boating in Machu Picchu with Red Savannah, rock-climbing in Colorado River’s write water rapids, or racing across Norway’s glaciers on snowmobiles, these destinations are sure to fuel an Arian’s venturous spirit.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 Jan. 2020
Adjective
  • In California, some enterprising individuals put monkeys on display, charging for a look at their antics.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Some enterprising software developers are hanging out a shingle offering their services as a cleanup specialist.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adventurous. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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