Definition of foolhardynext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective foolhardy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of foolhardy are adventurous, daredevil, daring, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Where would adventurous be a reasonable alternative to foolhardy?

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

adventurous pioneers

When is daredevil a more appropriate choice than foolhardy?

The words daredevil and foolhardy can be used in similar contexts, but daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for foolhardy?

The words daring and foolhardy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When might rash be a better fit than foolhardy?

In some situations, the words rash and foolhardy are roughly equivalent. However, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When can reckless be used instead of foolhardy?

While in some cases nearly identical to foolhardy, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When is it sensible to use venturesome instead of foolhardy?

While the synonyms venturesome and foolhardy 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 foolhardy Though he not-so-subtly scapegoated players, Quinton Byfield the foremost among them, Hiller’s own foolhardy challenge was the initial turning point toward a collapse that saw the Kings downgrade a 2-0 series lead into a 4-2 series loss. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026 Perhaps most impressive is the comedy’s nail-biting opening scene, as Matt and Jay decide to stage a publicity stunt of them leaping from the top of Toronto’s 116-story CN Tower and skydiving into a major baseball stadium, all in a foolhardy attempt to promote the band. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 History suggests that declaring a front-runner in a presidential campaign nearly three years before Election Day is foolhardy to the point of recklessness. Adam Lashinsky, Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026 So Sumrall’s original words may have felt foolhardy, even fake. Noah White, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foolhardy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolhardy
Adjective
  • The protester who threw a garbage bin was arrested for reckless endangerment shortly after cops arrive, officials said.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
  • One of the reckless endangerment arrests was for a person who allegedly threw garbage at a vehicle that was unrelated to the ICE operation, according to the NYPD.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • What started as a competition turned into a block party as the skaters shared the space, showing their most daring moves without the pressure of competing.
    Tony Le Calvez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • For her appearance at fashion’s biggest night, the French influencer paired the metallic top with a similarly daring skirt — the French label’s caryatid draped jersey skirt, per Lomellini — in a shade of powdery blue, and wore a pair of strappy white heels.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Many parents are afraid to go on the record against a school or coach for fear of retribution against their son or daughter, so for a teenager to go out on the limb and put himself up to possible ridicule was both stunning and courageous.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
  • However, thanks to the efforts of courageous youth advocates, there is hope in safeguarding youth health.
    Jad Abdel Nour, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Craven was remembered during the ceremony as brave and courageous, and as someone whose personality had a positive impact on her colleagues as well as her community.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • Bojorquez said Jones was a brave officer who had made a tragic mistake while rushing to the aid of victims.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mira was an amiable baby, a daredevil toddler, and, once Dylan arrived, a menace.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Children can participate in fishing, particularly on the lake, and daredevil kiddos over eight can try their hand at driving cars at nearby Thruxton Circuit.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Following its founding in 1963, the gallery embarked on an adventurous run that included exhibitions for artists such as Warhol, Tinguley, Gerhard Richter, Sol LeWitt, Donald Judd, Anthony Caro, and Bruce Nauman during its first decade.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 May 2026
  • The menu puts the focus on perfectly charred steaks and chops (the 32-ounce ribeye is ideal for two) while a few surprises like short rib ramen, pierogi stuffed with farmers cheese, and cauliflower steak satisfy more adventurous eaters.
    Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 8 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on foolhardy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster