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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 Moynihan stars in Fixed as Lucky, an anxious beagle that's not quite as foolhardy as his pals. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025 But the move would be foolhardy for a largely untested navy. Kerry Brown, Time, 29 July 2025 This seems foolhardy and seems misguided, mainly because there is a perception among a handful of people that this is somehow a blue or a left wing thing when this is the place that for 32 years gave William F. Buckley a show. CBS News, 6 July 2025 An empathy gap is obvious in online commenters who suggest, for example, that flood victims earned their fate through the foolhardy choice to live near water, that earthquake victims shouldn’t have lived near fault lines, and so on. Hazlitt, 23 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for foolhardy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolhardy
Adjective
  • Wallen was originally booked on three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor for disorderly conduct.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The country star was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After a daring double steal, New York had the bases loaded with one out and Brandon Nimmo at the plate against Ferrer.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The result is the year’s most daring TV performance, rooted in a painful, just barely recognizable humanity.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This month encourages courageous choices and trusting your own judgment to create freedom.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The godmother of the event’s 2025 edition, supermodel Naomi Campbell, was not in attendance but shared a video message encouraging the awards’ nominees to be fearless and courageous.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This Department of Justice will continue making every effort to protect our brave federal law enforcement officers, who risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Instead, try to be bold, be brave, and be loud.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Soon enough, the hazardous conditions overwhelm the area and Kevin has to get creative with maps and his driving skills, plus embrace a daredevil spirit, for even a chance of making it out alive with his young charges.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Salazar gets some cool scenes that show the character’s prowess as a daredevil driver, a kickass fighter and an ace shooter.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Arteta ended this block of matches before the international break by being adventurous against both Newcastle and West Ham, despite slightly different personnel making up that midfield unit.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Similarly, the most adventurous of women have been noted heading to the salon requesting similar, looser perms for a wavy beach look (or a faux natural curly look).
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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