devil-may-care

adjective

ˌde-vᵊl-(ˌ)mā-ˈker How to pronounce devil-may-care (audio)
Definition of devil-may-carenext
1
as in nonchalant
having a relaxed, casual manner a devil-may-care golfer who knows that it's only a game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reckless
having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions the devil-may-care speed with which he drives his sports car is going to cause a lot of grief someday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in carefree
having or showing freedom from worries or troubles the devil-may-care attitude that some people have about needlessly contributing to global warming

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 devil-may-care The cast approaches the picture with a delightfully devil-may-care sincerity, playing off of one another with a simple ease. — Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 As for angels with a devil-may-care attitude, this new Gucci is also represented by it girl Sydney Lynn Carlson and rapper Fakemink (who both walked in the show too) as well as photographer Nadia Lee Cohen and director Aidan Zamiri, the director of Charli XCX’s The Moment. — Sofia Viganò, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2026 The cut offers an easy, devil-may-care vibe that looks great styled down (with a cami and black sneakers) and up (with a tuxedo shirt and heeled loafers). — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026 Black Midi were known for their wild live shows, improvisational but generally aggressive riffs and devil-may-care attitude. — Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devil-may-care
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devil-may-care
  1. nonchalant
  2. reckless
  3. carefree
  4. casual
  5. daredevil
  6. insouciant
  7. unaffected
  8. daring
Adjective
  • Algeria were almost nonchalant in the lead-up to their first goal of the tournament.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • That play effectively started once defender Tim Ream tracked down a goal kick near the half-line, then passed up to Tyler Adams for a nonchalant back-heel pass to Tillman.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • An alleged reckless, DUI driver crashed into a Metro bus while leading Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies on a pursuit through Compton on Monday afternoon.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Whether a challenge was reckless or unlucky, whether force was proportionate, whether intent should count at all — no additional data resolves these questions.
    — Oded Netzer, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Some sailings still embrace that carefree spirit, while others reach destinations usually reserved for full length voyages, giving travelers a compact way to enjoy the coastal mix that makes short cruises feel complete.
    — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 15 July 2026
  • Suddenly, there’s a carefree energy in the air—nostalgia is peaking, throwback trends are everywhere, and the swimwear world is fully embracing the vibe.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 14 July 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • The messages were casual, sly, a little irreverent—proof that Google wasn’t like any other company—while always amplifying the corporate mythology.
    — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
  • Try this formula for a low-key coffee date, a day of shopping, or a casual swing by the office.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 18 July 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • The daredevil couple, who scaled the building dressed in dark outfits and masks, were each charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and an additional charge related to the incident.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • But naturally, the daredevil actor opted to wear the heavy suit — with one version weighing roughly 85 pounds, costume designer Pierre Bohanna told Entertainment Weekly.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of daredevil
Adjective
  • Midi lengths refuse to commit to long or short camps, settling in the middle for a moment that's polished and truly insouciant.
    — Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
  • There is nothing insouciant about me.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of insouciant
Adjective
  • The idea is that airport security operations can remain unaffected by funding lapses and government shutdowns, while still maintaining strict federal oversight and regulations.
    — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • These tides are predicted to be lower than those in June, and the Weather Service estimates that areas not impacted in June can expect to be unaffected over the next week as well.
    — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Wadden admits that the color has a richness and warmth that might seem like a daring choice to homeowners who are accustomed to more understated palettes.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • But to play two knockout matches without conceding even a sniff of a chance is hugely impressive — especially considering Deschamps hasn’t compromised on his unusually daring approach of using four proper attackers.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of daring

Browse Nearby Words

devilishness
devil-may-care
devilment
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Cite this Entry

“Devil-may-care.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devil-may-care. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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