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
Relevance
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
His sound, his look and his devil-may-care attitude helped forge an enduring template for heavy metal.
—
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
Once more, Andrea Hall originated the role of Marlena's free-wheeling, trash-talking, devil-may-care look-alike Hattie.
—Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 21 July 2025
On him, loving those summery black socks pulled up just right to mid-calf, devil-may-care Harvard-dropout-style.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Sonny Hayes, played with a devil-may-care attitude by Pitt, lives to drive.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
What makes Dazed and Confused so pleasurable is its adherence to a devil-may-care freedom just inside the bounds of believability.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
The trunk doubles as her closet, stowing her effortless, devil-may-care rotation of jeans, vintage graphic-print shirts and Southwestern accessories.
—Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
With devil-may-care attitude, Johnson found joy in every stanza, operating in total synergy with Angus Young.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
His face is grim, lacking the exuberance and devil-may-care attitude visible in earlier paintings.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
Once more, Andrea Hall originated the role of Marlena's free-wheeling, trash-talking, devil-may-care look-alike Hattie.
—Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 21 July 2025
On him, loving those summery black socks pulled up just right to mid-calf, devil-may-care Harvard-dropout-style.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Sonny Hayes, played with a devil-may-care attitude by Pitt, lives to drive.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
What makes Dazed and Confused so pleasurable is its adherence to a devil-may-care freedom just inside the bounds of believability.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
The trunk doubles as her closet, stowing her effortless, devil-may-care rotation of jeans, vintage graphic-print shirts and Southwestern accessories.
—Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
With devil-may-care attitude, Johnson found joy in every stanza, operating in total synergy with Angus Young.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
His face is grim, lacking the exuberance and devil-may-care attitude visible in earlier paintings.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devil-may-care
Adjective
-
Her opponent was a noisy avalanche of language, but Kuang appeared cool and nonchalant.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Often, that involves baring her growing baby bump in a cool, nonchalant way.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The filmmakers never judge Lynette as her actions grow more reckless, even when she’s forced to pick up Kenny and take him along on a series of dangerous encounters.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
-
As the federal government continues to play with reckless and unauthorized tariffs that have burdened businesses with skyrocketing costs that have been passed along to consumers, the governor’s Affordability Agenda is centered around making life easier for New Yorkers.—
Walter Mosley,
New York Daily News,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Substitute Wilson Isidor does not appear set for such a prominent role in the Premier League, but his breakaway goal, low past Hermansen, in stoppage time assured the Stadium of Light of a carefree finale of oles and embraces.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
17 Aug. 2025
-
On Sundays, Perez sees them with visitors outside, the scene reminiscent to her of families enjoying a carefree day at the park.—
Suzanne Gamboa,
NBC news,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Roots sells casual apparel, athletic gear and more, and while its headquarters is in Canada, its flagship store is in Michigan, where some Meijer stores operate.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Papa hasn’t gone business casual yet, but his latest outfit is noticeably less restrictive.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Whether visitors are seeking ethical wildlife tours, daredevil adventures like swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls, or aiming to support conservation efforts, Africa offers a depth of experiences that go far beyond the traditional safari game drives.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Club Med Cancun has a new sports and wellness island with a dedicated palapa for quiet yoga classes, archery, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sport courts and the iconic Club Med Circus School where guests can participate in their own trapeze lessons and other daredevil acrobatics.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
In Trump’s first term, U.S. allies quickly learned that the president was cavalier about classified information.—
KORI SCHAKE,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
-
In the video, the cavalier King Charles left people in stitches with her dramatic howls.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Thirty to 100 percent increases are being asked for apartments built since 1947 and therefore unaffected by rent-control laws.—
Nicholas Pileggi,
Curbed,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Some of the areas most closely watched for tariff impact nationwide were largely unaffected.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Five-foot-10 and 170 pounds in his prime, Rondell was known for his daring diving, gymnastic and hang-gliding skills.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Despite having attended the Met Gala just days prior, the couple still hit a sartorial home run in chic ensembles — Rocky in a black suit and tie and Rihanna in a daring blue Alaïa high-neck dress with waist cutouts.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devil-may-care.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devil-may-care. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share