audacious

adjective

ȯ-ˈdā-shəs How to pronounce audacious (audio)
Definition of audaciousnext
1
as in bold
displaying or marked by rude boldness with an audacious disregard for innocent bystanders, rival gang members opened fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in courageous
foolishly adventurous or bold an audacious effort to start her own business with no real plan or funding

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks audacious adventurers risking everything they had for a shot at glory

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 audacious Carolina Herrera’s audacious line of fragrances isn’t for a wallflower. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 The audacious Pavlova Booty Alta has strong, unique lines with corset-style side boning that sculpted her legs, giving her a bold silhouette. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Some of the most audacious familial attacks — a departure from past campaigns when Republicans and Democrats barred their operations from such acrimonious hits — have come from Republicans, as polls show their candidates trailing in key races. — Dan Merica, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 The result was Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, an audacious experiment conceived by Wu-Tang affiliate Cilvaringz under the guidance of RZA. — John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for audacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for audacious
  1. bold
  2. courageous
  3. adventurous
  4. wise
  5. reckless
  6. daring
  7. brazen
  8. brave
Adjective
  • Conveniently, Santiago lies just south of the Maipo Valley, which is famed for bold Cabernet Sauvignons and also home to the striking new Centro del Vino from Concha y Toro, Latin America’s largest wine producer.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • This faux greenery features impressively lifelike cypress leaves, while the berries add a bold, seasonal color.
    — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of bold
Adjective
  • Mercifully, there are many who, under the same conditions, made, and continue to make, good and courageous decisions.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Stacy Keach, the legendary actor whose unmistakable voice and powerful performances captivated generations of Americans, is being remembered by his beloved wife as a devoted husband, loving father and courageous fighter after his death at 85.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • If open water ice-skating is too adventurous, there’s also a public rink in central Stockholm at Kungsträdgården.
    — Isabelle Kliger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • There are trendy accessories that aren’t too timely, classic leather goods with subtle logos, and quite a few statement pieces for the more adventurous dressers among us.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of adventurous
Adjective
  • Obviously the quarterback situation is a little bit unsettled, but very similar scheme wise offensively and defensively.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Fortunately, the wise voters of Deerfield Beach know that once power is turned over to a few people, special interests prevail.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • The first and most urgent task will be ending the Iran war, a reckless and unpopular conflict that has become even less popular as Americans have felt its effects on their wallets.
    — MATTHEW DUSS, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Barnett is charged with second-degree arson, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the case.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • His third quarter interception by safety Chuck Clark on a pass intended for wide receiver Caleb Douglas was a daring attempt.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • On the runways, the interpretations have been considerably more daring.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of daring
Adjective
  • When Harry boosts a USB crypto wallet from a brazen young criminal and spoiled rich kid, Dylan (Will Price), Ben has no idea what to do with it—plugging it into his circa-1995 desktop personal computer sends the machine into a tailspin.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Lovato’s dress, courtesy of Fanci Club, was a deep shade of eggplant purple and topped off with a scarlet-red lace bralette, making for a brazen club-friendly outfit only enhanced by the even more noticeable shoes.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of brazen
Adjective
  • The franchise originally consisted of four movies—The Hunger Games (2012), Catching Fire (2013), Mockingjay Part 1 (2014), and Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)—that star Jennifer Lawrence as the resourceful and brave Katniss Everdeen.
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Although the Duchess of Sussex has been putting on a brave face in public since her father’s criminal behavior was reported, she is allegedly deeply shaken.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of brave

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Cite this Entry

“Audacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/audacious. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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