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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 To ask the most American of movie stars to play this iconic English figure was foolhardy, and his down-to-earth authenticity gets him nowhere in the role. Will Leitch, Vulture, 1 July 2024 Overshadowing the endorsement was a foolhardy rhetorical flourish that insulted key voting blocs courted by the Republican nominee in his campaign against the Democratic nominee, New York Governor Grover Cleveland. Robert B. Mitchell / Made By History, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 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 And if even one state’s bioweapons program experimented with extinction-level pathogens—perhaps on a foolhardy quest to develop the ultimate deterrent—the next laboratory accident could precipitate a global pandemic much worse than that of COVID-19. William MacAskill, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for foolhardy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolhardy
Adjective
  • Reddit users were just as quick to praise the pedestrian's actions, seeing the moment as a justified comeback rather than reckless behavior.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The successful audit comes as the government’s finances face significant scrutiny from the new Trump administration after years of reckless spending and fiscal irresponsibility.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Told with elements inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Maura's newest book — featuring a magical princess and the Shadow Emperor — is a daring entry into the hottest new subgenre of romance.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Amid the criticism, there were a couple of voices of support among MAGA Republicans for the president’s daring proposal.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Gunderson’s Hertha is fierce, witty and courageous and her Marie is cowering, heartbroken and despondent.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
  • History is filled with good and evil, but in the end, good conquers evil when courageous men and women don’t give up, as when Hitler and his Nazis were vanquished.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, in addition to elevating your look, these Lululemon leg warmers are designed to keep shivering at bay when you brave winter temps just wearing tights.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2025
  • President Trump's Executive Order protects the sovereignty of both countries and its brave soldiers.
    Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Born Richard Totten Button on July 18, 1929, the daredevil athlete defied both gravity and expectations during his career.
    Holly Yan, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Due to his high-flying, daredevil move set and unique presentation, Hardy became one of the most popular WWE Superstars of the 2000s.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The flavors lean more toward the classics, rather than any adventurous combinations, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Duke was fun-loving and adventurous, always looking for new experiences.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near foolhardy

Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.

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