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 The scoops include local flavors such as Singapore chendol (chendol is a jelly made from pandan leaves), kueh salat (coconut pandan ice cream, blue-pea mochi, and coconut pandan custard bits), and, for the more adventurous, Emperor Mao durian. Elizabeth See, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025 But its rugged design is perfect for hiking and other adventurous travel. Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025 The Knight of Wands is an exciting, adventurous energy to carry you through the month. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 Best Gifts for Sagittarius The Sagittarius in your life likely has an adventurous soul and loves to learn new things and explore the great outdoors. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adventurous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adventurous
Adjective
  • After a daring double steal, New York had the bases loaded with one out and Brandon Nimmo at the plate against Ferrer.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The result is the year’s most daring TV performance, rooted in a painful, just barely recognizable humanity.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Europeans have hit them with bold shotmaking, clutch putting and an urgency and intensity that have blown the host team out of this outsize ballpark.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • In 2022, the eclectic corner café Black Coffee lit up Detroit’s North End neighborhood with its bold yellow walls and Afrocentric décor.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This month encourages courageous choices and trusting your own judgment to create freedom.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The godmother of the event’s 2025 edition, supermodel Naomi Campbell, was not in attendance but shared a video message encouraging the awards’ nominees to be fearless and courageous.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her death at Rome’s hands becomes the catalyst for his transformation from a grieving husband to a fearless champion of the arena — and ultimately the leader of a massive slave rebellion.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival in May, earning a six-minute standing ovation and praise for Lawrence’s fearless performance.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This Department of Justice will continue making every effort to protect our brave federal law enforcement officers, who risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, try to be bold, be brave, and be loud.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 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 5 Oct. 2025.

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