harum-scarum 1 of 2

adjective

ˌher-əm-ˈsker-əm How to pronounce harum-scarum (audio)
Definition of harum-scarumnext
as in reckless
having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions a harum-scarum dash through the crowded terminal to make the flight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

harum-scarum

2 of 2

adverb

as in frantically
in a confused and reckless manner tossed everything harum-scarum from the closet in a desperate attempt to find her shoes

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 harum-scarum
Adjective
Years of harum-scarum borrowing and spending combined with economic wallops from the Covid-19 pandemic, soaring interest rates and inflation helped drive up Kenya’s debt to $80 billion. — Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 4 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harum-scarum
  1. reckless
  2. frantically
  3. daredevil
  4. wild
  5. daring
  6. wildly
Adjective
  • The first and most urgent task will be ending the Iran war, a reckless and unpopular conflict that has become even less popular as Americans have felt its effects on their wallets.
    — MATTHEW DUSS, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Barnett is charged with second-degree arson, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the case.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adverb
  • Meanwhile, Trumpworld searched frantically for scapegoats to deflect blame that the electoral bloodbath was a rebuke of the president and his agenda.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Recordings of the last seconds of the flight reveal the co-pilot told air traffic controllers that the captain was frantically trying to regain control of the plane as ice built up on key pieces of equipment.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of frantically
Adjective
  • The daredevil couple who scaled New York City's Empire State Building earlier this year is negotiating a possible plea deal with prosecutors, their lawyer confirmed to Fox News Digital.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Gortner also starred with Lynda Carter in Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw (1976), appeared in the daredevil biopic Viva Knievel!
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of daredevil
Adverb
  • Two more runs scored in the fourth inning when Ohtani, Pages and Freeman strung together three consecutive two-out singles and Keller wild-pitched a run home.
    — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 12 June 2026
  • First, like cucumbers, squash is a wild-growing vegetable that competes for garden space, according to Dilmore.
    — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Definition of wild
Adjective
  • Last October, burglars made off with roughly $100 million in jewels from the Louvre in a daring daylight robbery.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The project has since taken the brand on daring and adventurous trips to the most remote locations around the world, all documented by Mollison.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of daring
Adverb
  • In the wildly unpredictable NFL, the Chargers have emerged as a rare sure bet.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Nvidia, Lam Research and others tied to the AI boom swung wildly this week on worries that Democratic victories in statehouses across the country could mean a slowdown in further construction, particularly in Texas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of wildly

Browse Nearby Words

harshness
harum-scarum
harvest
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Harum-scarum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harum-scarum. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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