hell-for-leather 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hell-for-leathernext
as in reckless
having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions having been behind for most of the race, the stock car driver made a hell-for-leather dash to the finish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hell-for-leather

2 of 2

adverb

ˈhel-fər-ˈle-ṯẖər How to pronounce hell-for-leather (audio)
as in quickly
with great speed we ran hell-for-leather out of that spooky house

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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 hell-for-leather
Adverb
The plot thickens further when Bundle, driving hell-for-leather down a country lane, comes across someone lying in the middle of the road. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hell-for-leather
  1. reckless
  2. quickly
  3. daring
  4. fast
  5. daredevil
  6. rapidly
  7. quick
  8. swiftly
Adjective
  • An alleged reckless, DUI driver crashed into a Metro bus while leading Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies on a pursuit through Compton on Monday afternoon.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Whether a challenge was reckless or unlucky, whether force was proportionate, whether intent should count at all — no additional data resolves these questions.
    — Oded Netzer, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Definition of reckless
Adverb
  • On emergency dispatch channels, officials had previously requested the assistance of California Highway Patrol as the fire was moving quickly in the direction of the highway.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • However, as the afternoon went on, expectations quickly dwindled before the ultimate announcement that New York/New Jersey would be awarded the final over a strong bid from DFW.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of quickly
Adjective
  • Wadden admits that the color has a richness and warmth that might seem like a daring choice to homeowners who are accustomed to more understated palettes.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • But to play two knockout matches without conceding even a sniff of a chance is hugely impressive — especially considering Deschamps hasn’t compromised on his unusually daring approach of using four proper attackers.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of daring
Adverb
  • The series unfolds against Japan’s ongoing debate over beauty standards – a culture growing more open to diverse appearances even as its cosmetic surgery sector remains one of its fastest-growing industries.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of fast
Adjective
  • The daredevil couple, who scaled the building dressed in dark outfits and masks, were each charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and an additional charge related to the incident.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • But naturally, the daredevil actor opted to wear the heavy suit — with one version weighing roughly 85 pounds, costume designer Pierre Bohanna told Entertainment Weekly.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of daredevil
Adverb
  • Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2026
  • But that demographic is overrepresented in our visual culture—these are faces acquired for the purpose of profitable display, often on screens—and so the desire to alter one’s face spreads rapidly.
    — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026
Definition of rapidly
Adverb
  • Rabbit’s wide-leg EZ Pants are made of a silky, breathable blend of polyester and spandex, which keeps them airy and lends to their impressive quick-drying and anti-chafing properties.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
  • So with all of that said and the context on our backgrounds real quick, let’s get into the topic at hand.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Definition of quick
Adverb
  • Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of swiftly

Browse Nearby Words

hellfires
hell-for-leather
hellhole
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Cite this Entry

“Hell-for-leather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hell-for-leather. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hell-for-leather

Nglish: Translation of hell-for-leather for Spanish Speakers

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