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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Synonym Chooser

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
Additionally, if an individual had a previous measles diagnosis and fully recovered before their death, or the death occurred more than 30 days after rash onset, the death would not be counted as measles-associated. — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Trump’s strong reactions may relate to his recent banning of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House — a rash action that was stopped by a federal judge last week. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
Importations In their analysis, health officials identified the first importation in a resident who fell ill with the telltale rash on January 12 after returning from a trip to South Carolina, where they were exposed to a person sick with measles. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026 Bobby developed a painful rash that could break open and bleed, along with significant inflammation and bleeding around his fingernails. — Stat Staff, STAT, 23 Oct. 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 last Christmas, the designer went out on an impulsive—and what would prove to be fateful—run through Paris along the Seine, the city’s famous central waterway.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In many instances Rama approaches difficult situations with restraint and adherence to dharma (righteous conduct), whereas Lakshmana is expressive, impulsive, quick to anger, and distrustful.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of impulsive
Noun
  • With the plague gone, the musician entered a period of reflection.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2026
  • After contracting the plague, he was banished to a cave, where a dog brought him bread and healed his wounds by licking them.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • Homemade enchiladas might sound like a laborious weekend project, but with a few clever tricks, this version made with black beans and pumpkin can be whipped up on even the most hurried of work nights.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Dooley emphasized the preliminary nature of the ruling and the hurried nature of the litigation preceding it in a short, 12-page decision.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurried
Noun
  • This is already the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, after the 2014-16 epidemic.
    — Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In contrast to loneliness’s 2023 diagnosis as a modern behavioral epidemic, there’s a growing trend of midlife women flipping the script and choosing to be alone.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of epidemic
Adjective
  • The performance is bringing a sudden wave of attention, which the 26-year-old actor is navigating with help from family, friends and firm boundaries.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Testing methodology Extreme forces driving modern aerospace and defense systems expose structural materials to rapid deformation, crushing pressure, and sudden failure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of sudden
Noun
  • Unreleased | Getty Images A spate of bomb threats against passenger flights has forced diversions, emergency landings and military escorts across European airspace this week, stoking fear among passengers and heaping pressure on airlines.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • His departure comes as the investigation has shown signs of faltering amid a spate of staff turnovers and delays.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of spate
Adjective
  • Some Faculty Senate members warned that a hasty no-confidence vote would do little to address the underlying problems.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Pentecostal parents Ruth and Marius were accused of domestic violence, with worldwide protests criticizing what dissenters called harsh and hasty steps taken by Norwegian social workers without proper evidence.
    — Tomris Laffly, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hasty
Noun
  • The hard truth is that homelessness is the result of a raft of problems beyond any mayor’s full control.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Carbon dioxide removal refers to a raft of techniques to scrub carbon pollution from the atmosphere and lock it away.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rash

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