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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devil-may-care
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
Come 1995, Brosnan finally took the role for GoldenEye, bringing back the debonair, devil-may-care version of Bond — part superhero, part super agent.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 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
Call them the goth girls of the Golden Globes, oozing devil-may-care detachment and spicing up the glittering red carpet procession with a little bit of mystery.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
The square-jawed Iago Breschi, one of the most technically proficient classical dancers in San Diego, was in his element as the torero Escamillo, strutting with a devil-may-care swagger.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
Its goofy, devil-may-care logic and rapid-fire comedy rarely translated to feature-length run times.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
That devil-may-care attitude on The Things Youi Kill extended to his film set in Turkey.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
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
Come 1995, Brosnan finally took the role for GoldenEye, bringing back the debonair, devil-may-care version of Bond — part superhero, part super agent.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 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
Call them the goth girls of the Golden Globes, oozing devil-may-care detachment and spicing up the glittering red carpet procession with a little bit of mystery.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
The square-jawed Iago Breschi, one of the most technically proficient classical dancers in San Diego, was in his element as the torero Escamillo, strutting with a devil-may-care swagger.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
Its goofy, devil-may-care logic and rapid-fire comedy rarely translated to feature-length run times.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
That devil-may-care attitude on The Things Youi Kill extended to his film set in Turkey.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devil-may-care
Adjective
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What makes the shoe so appealing is its nonchalant, slip-on-and-go versatility.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2026
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In the campaign, Waterhouse and Ramirez are shown in looks that channel Saint-Tropez’s nonchalant chic, styled by Emmanuelle Alt.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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He was medically cleared at a hospital and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on felony and misdemeanor charges, including felony evasion of a police officer while driving in a reckless manner.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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Police also arrested Ian McGinnis, 21, of Philadelphia, charging him with reckless endangerment, assault and unlawful possession of noxious matter and accusing him of spraying pepper spray at counterprotesters.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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While the figure skater has become known for her carefree and joyful persona, she has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight, which has brought some unwelcome attention.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Mar. 2026
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And while there was something magical about each of these journeys—because road trips are inherently spontaneous, whimsical, and (well) carefree—one really stood out.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Rooms have a casual glamour with Filipino touches of capiz shell, mother of pearl, coral, and sea shells.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
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The company estimates there are at least a million tennis fans who would pony up for its app and millions more casual fans who might watch for free or listen to a podcast.—
Lucas Shaw,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Keanu Reeves is back as Canadian daredevil toy Duke Caboom.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
23 Feb. 2026
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The tower is massive — roughly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower — and Shiloh Hunter (Virginia Gardner) is an influencer known for sharing daredevil climbing clips.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Beyoncé's butterscotch blonde boasts the insouciant, melty finish that defines the old money approach and provides a natural extension of her natural brunette.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
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Even now, almost two decades after his death, the French couturier remains a household name, synonymous with effortless style and an insouciant sexiness that few can hope to capture in quite the same way.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Oklahoma ratepayers’ energy bills would be unaffected by new data centers under a bill advancing through the House.—
Emma Murphy,
Oklahoma Voice,
5 Mar. 2026
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While geopolitical conflict can whip up uncertainty, investors remain focused on market fundamentals that are largely unaffected so far.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In a few daring sentences, Lincoln connected the antislavery movement, calling for a right to self-government in individual lives, with the right to self-government in politics.—
Cass Sunstein,
Big Think,
5 Mar. 2026
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Both pieces featured a daring lace-up design and a white-on-white floral jacquard print.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devil-may-care.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devil-may-care. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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