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 His gripping and meticulously researched book tells the story of an audacious operation by charting the exploits of both the perpetrators and the investigators. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026 It was said in jest, yet the sport’s most audacious instigators might take him up on it. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 23 July 2026 His fortunes started to change in his mid-50s, when he was cast in the 2008, off-Broadway revival of Sarah Kane’s audacious Blasted, as a bigoted and predatory tabloid writer. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026 In looking back and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Viking missions to Mars, one is struck by the bold and audacious undertaking. — Leonard David, Space.com, 20 July 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
  • These days, Meloni almost always wears trousers, avoids bold patterns and favors pastels and other neutral colors.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • An excellent choice for Adidas fans, this backpack has a bold text logo printed in a prominent position.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of bold
Adjective
  • The sun in Leo is expressive, vivacious and deeply courageous.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Only one, Andy Jassy, was courageous and smart enough to do it.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • Chris Strouthopoulos is the founder of Ascent Empowerment, which helps adventurous men beat professional burnout.
    — Chris Strouthopoulos, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Lenae welcomes an adventurous curiosity without being too hard on herself when her heart ends up on the chopping block.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of adventurous
Adjective
  • Franchise-wise, Armani Beauty has Privè, with unisex couture fragrances; Giorgio Armani, which is premium, and Emporio Armani, embodying the brand’s younger, urban facet.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • While adding a tiny amount of salt to your coffee is generally safe, people on a low-salt diet or those with uncontrolled high blood pressure should consult a healthcare provider to see if this is a wise choice for them.
    — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • Authorities say the employee who discharged the firearm has been charged with reckless conduct.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, Nolan-O’Slatarra’s family filed a summons with notice against Durnan in Manhattan Supreme Court, accusing him of assault, gross negligence, and reckless and wanton conduct in connection with the woman’s death.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Even the films that aren’t explicitly about the next generation often have a stasis-like quality to them, refusing to take risks or stray from the original films in any daring way, that feels apiece with where modern franchise filmmaking is in 2026.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The tactics used are as unconventional and daring as those in spy novels.
    — Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of daring
Adjective
  • Four suspects pulled off a brazen smash-and-grab robbery inside a Woodbridge, New Jersey, jewelry store over the weekend.
    — Nick Caloway, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In one of the most brazen moments captured on camera, investigators said the suspects pointed a firearm at the interior door connecting a garage to a home, apparently waiting for a homeowner to emerge.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of brazen
Adjective
  • In her very first on-screen role, Reeves brings a nuanced, brave, and deeply intuitive performance as the titular character, an eight-year-old San Francisco resident who witnesses a horrific crime and has to deal with the emotional fallout.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Be brave and ask him if he has been involved with anyone else.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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