daring 1 of 3

daring

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noun

daring

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verb

present participle of dare

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective daring contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daring are adventurous, daredevil, foolhardy, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When is it sensible to use adventurous instead of daring?

The meanings of adventurous and daring largely overlap; however, adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

In what contexts can daredevil take the place of daring?

Although the words daredevil and daring have much in common, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When can foolhardy be used instead of daring?

In some situations, the words foolhardy and daring are roughly equivalent. However, 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 daring?

The synonyms rash and daring are sometimes interchangeable, but rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When would reckless be a good substitute for daring?

The words reckless and daring are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When could venturesome be used to replace daring?

While the synonyms venturesome and daring are close in meaning, 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 daring
Adjective
This allowed more daring creature design, fight choreography, camera movement, and lighting. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 11 June 2025 The daring adventure turned the entire kingdom upside down and taught Pil that nobility can be found in all of us. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 June 2025
Noun
Peeking above aquamarine waves that hide the world's second-largest barrier reef, Belize's Ambergris Caye first emerged as a destination for the daring. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2025 Weirdly, the familiarity of the biographical beats ease us into the formal daring. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
But the polesitter was in no mood to finish third, immediately regaining the lead with a daring overtake to set the tone for the sprint. Reuters, 29 Mar. 2025 If anything, becoming a weird little guy, by my definition, is about rejecting the despair that leads down those kinds of regressive paths, and daring to care about something, even — and perhaps especially — if that something might seem kind of dumb or trivial to the outside world. James Factora, Them., 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daring
Adjective
  • But in case an adventurous dish doesn’t sit well with you, Fischer suggests keeping Pepto Bismol or another stomach aid at the ready to provide some relief.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
  • These two siblings have adventurous hearts, enjoy school and share one wish — to live together in a supportive home where the entire family spends time together.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Some have said his victory gave them the courage to come out to their families and friends, and even to themselves.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • Katz emphasizes Adams’ courage in publishing Lesbian Love.
    Kellie B. Gormly, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265, which went on an historic two-and-a-half week strike in March after negotiations for a new contract broke down, had filed a petition with the Sixth District Court of Appeal on April 1, challenging the ruling of the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Today big tech is aggressively challenging long-standing legal protections in copyright law, in intellectual property, fair data practices and data privacy protections.
    Hessie Jones, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The world’s multilateral architecture is the best mechanism humanity has for confronting existential transnational threats.
    Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Any return to play in England would entail Henderson confronting the subject again.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In the store, the seasonal collection is presented against vintage floral wallpaper, while the more modern bold blue wall opposite frames Les Essentiels, including a range of denim.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
  • Shelter Homes for Sale June 18, 2025 This sleek, modernist retreat on Gardiners Bay in East Hampton blends beach cottage vibes with bold design.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The ship's new namesake, Oscar V. Peterson, was a naval officer who was killed in World War II and posthumously granted a Medal of Honor by Congress for bravery during the war.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 27 June 2025
  • Ideas flowed from product engineers to senior leaders, creating a shared sense of bravery, purpose and camaraderie.
    Stephen McKeown, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Many of the mobile clinics work in silos and Medi-Cal resources can be restrictive, with clients facing difficulties meeting criteria.
    Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Cleveland isn’t facing Utah (16-56).
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Sure enough, the seemingly eternally brave Achilles was killed by an arrow to his heel during the Trojan War.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • Bloom’s bravest moment of June 16, 1904, comes a few pages later: —Mendelssohn was a jew and Karl Marx and Mercadante and Spinoza.
    Benjamin Hale June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Daring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daring. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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