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
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 The actor, who set the fashion world on fire with his daring looks during the Cannes Film Festival (or at least millions of hearts), is an accidental fashion icon. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
There is a reckless daring to his process, a youthful disregard for the usual art world way of doing business, and a desperation to find affordable and meaningful ways to express what is inside his head. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025 These letters from Valpy and Tina, the daughter left behind with her mother-in-law, are sprinkled throughout and highlight the daring of Kane’s invention. John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
Under this pretense, wearing a MAGA hat in a Google office or entertaining eugenicist ideas about race and intelligence was a way of daring to go where liberals feared to tread. Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 Brooks' daring fashion choices have led to several wardrobe malfunctions, the most recent one taking place earlier this month during the Marquee Las Vegas grand reveal weekend at Marquee Nightclub. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daring
Adjective
  • But when adventurous Milo comes into town, Prudence finds an unlikely friend with benefits.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The Penguins probably could’ve gone more adventurous.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Barry represents courage, compassion, and that quiet greatness that lies in helping others.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Her courage, her authenticity, and her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy will echo for generations.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The early months of a season can be challenging for managers due to the seemingly endless international breaks, but the stop-start nature of the fixture list can have its advantages.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Returning from combat is challenging.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But confronting these primal fears heightens the experience.
    Heide Brandes, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The protests are led by a youth movement which uses symbols — including a pirate flag from popular Japanese manga One Piece, a stand-in for confronting oppression — associated with demonstrations in other countries, including Morocco, Nepal, and Peru.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One large piece can anchor a space and make a bold statement.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
  • That is, needless to say, a bold claim about a phenomenon that is famously hard to predict.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The president also celebrated the release of all the hostages and acknowledged their courage and bravery during their captivity.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Trautmann’s personal status was enhanced by his bravery in the 1956 FA Cup final against Birmingham City.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today, Long Island remains a blend of suburban life, coastal culture, and historic estates while also facing challenges of rising seas and housing affordability.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Phypers is facing criminal charges, including two counts of injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend or child's parent; and two counts of dissuading a witness by force or threat.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Stay strong, be brave and if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy and punch a higher floor!
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Willing-to-put-your-heart-on-the-line brave?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Daring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daring. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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