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
There’s no better action movie on Earth than George Miller’s hell-for-leather quest for water and redemption. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 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
  • 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
  • Either way, many intimate gatherings around the country are quickly adding a sales pitch.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In addition, there is an increasing emphasis on developing systems that are modular, allowing them to be quickly adapted and scaled to meet future needs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of quickly
Adjective
  • His third quarter interception by safety Chuck Clark on a pass intended for wide receiver Caleb Douglas was a daring attempt.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • On the runways, the interpretations have been considerably more daring.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of daring
Adverb
  • And book early for Luna Mar—its outdoor seating fills up fast during peak hours.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Management has a great track record of allocating capital, especially through acquiring faster-growing, higher-margin businesses that complement its legacy distribution operations.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of fast
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
  • The technology is rapidly transforming the way people work, in part by eliminating some of the busy work and tedium of manual workflows, freeing up time for employees to focus on more complex issues.
    — S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Communication issues also played a role as crews faced rapidly changing fire conditions.
    — Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of rapidly
Adverb
  • Storms would be quick-moving, so there is little threat of flooding, and dry conditions across the region should return by Wednesday night.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Smooth spinner wheels make long walks to an airport gate or just down the street quicker, and the adjustable handle comfortably supported my personal item.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of quick
Adverb
  • The federal judges who ordered the men’s releases have reacted swiftly — and, at times, furiously — to the re-arrests.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Opposition to the facilities mounted swiftly over the summer as Americans grew worried about their potential to harm the environment, raise utility bills and contribute to job loss.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 6 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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