rash 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of rashnext
as in impulsive
acting or done with excessive or careless speed that was too rash a move, for now I've lost my bishop and probably the whole chess game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rash

2 of 2

noun

as in plague

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How does the adjective rash contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rash are adventurous, daredevil, daring, foolhardy, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When is adventurous a more appropriate choice than rash?

The words adventurous and rash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

Where would daredevil be a reasonable alternative to rash?

The synonyms daredevil and rash are sometimes interchangeable, but daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for rash?

The words daring and rash can be used in similar contexts, but daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When can foolhardy be used instead of rash?

While the synonyms foolhardy and rash are close in meaning, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

In what contexts can reckless take the place of rash?

The meanings of reckless and rash largely overlap; however, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When could venturesome be used to replace rash?

In some situations, the words venturesome and rash are roughly equivalent. However, 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 rash
Adjective
His eventual dismissal in second-half stoppage time was an exercise in rash stupidity, crashing through Spain’s teenage center back Pau Cubarsi. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Small, raised bumps appear atop the rash spots, spreading along the body. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Noun
If there is swelling spreading well beyond the bite, a rash breaking out elsewhere on your body, or any trouble breathing or swallowing, treat that as an emergency and get medical help right away. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026 This was just one of the rash of flash flood emergencies recently issued across the country. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rash
  1. impulsive
  2. plague
  3. hurried
  4. epidemic
  5. sudden
  6. spate
  7. hasty
  8. raft
Adjective
  • But Magdalen’s temporary embodiment of her sister’s demure, obedient nature does not temper her impulsive, dramatic tendencies—only the development of an empathetic, analytical intelligence can do that.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
  • This matters because Arraez seems like the kind of player who could get a GM or president of baseball operations to do something impulsive.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of impulsive
Noun
  • The deadliest animal to have ever roamed the earth is not the great white shark, or snakes, or even rats that caused three great plagues in history, decimating the human population at the time.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2026
  • Had he been exposed to a more run-of-the-mill pneumonic plague, symptom onset would have already consigned him to bed.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • Hours later, across the globe, after the Dodgers dispatched the San Diego Padres in a season-opening win – and after Mizuhara served as Ohtani’s interpreter in a hurried and rushed postgame media scrum – Hiltzik called ESPN again.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • That hurried buildup led to an enormous industrial overhang, and, in California’s San Francisco Bay and elsewhere, a sad legacy of polluted and abandoned waterfront.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of hurried
Noun
  • The 45th anniversary of the HIV/AIDS pandemic shouldn't simply prompt us to remember the epidemic.
    — Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Here in Florida, drowning is an unrelenting and escalating epidemic, with the state seeing a record 120 child drownings in 2025, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
    — Karen Cohn, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026
Definition of epidemic
Adjective
  • All of a sudden, Ned seems to regain his memories of Peter just as the film ends.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • Conversely, a significant number of patients who experience sudden cardiac death likely did not have that abnormal measurement.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of sudden
Noun
  • In addition to the uptick in young victims, Denver also saw a spate of violence along a stretch of East Hampden Avenue on the far southeast side of the city near the Cherry Creek Reservoir.
    — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 20 July 2026
  • The shootings in Maine and Texas were just the latest civilian deaths at the hands of ICE agents, who have attempted to intimidate witnesses following its recent spate of high-profile killings.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 19 July 2026
Definition of spate
Adjective
  • Now that the finish line is in sight, don’t be hasty and ruin all your hard work.
    — Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 13 July 2026
  • The scenario reminded Attardo of the hasty replacement of Joe Biden during the 2024 election campaign.
    — Kimberlee Kruesi, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of hasty
Noun
  • The bulk of weight-loss ads come not from the makers of GLP-1s but the raft of online pharmacies distributing them.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The Guinea-Bissau forward will be the latest in a raft of signings who are being brought in to bolster the academy set-up.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of raft

Browse Nearby Words

rascals
rash
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Cite this Entry

“Rash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rash. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rash

Nglish: Translation of rash for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rash

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