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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Dissimilar Words

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
The restrictions mean three weeks of remote learning as parents monitor for fever, rash and other symptoms. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025 Finally, as ever, the potential for rash, impulsive decisions with disastrous long-term consequences is never out of mind with this franchise. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
The thefts come amid a rash of anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism and thefts. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 29 Oct. 2025 Some children have the mouth sores without the rash, while others have the rash without any sores. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 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
  • Young Luke was unfiltered and impulsive — what teenagers aren’t?
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The book follows a family dynasty — and specifically, the impulsive daughter of an automotive magnate — in 1927 Motor City, which has long enthralled the Salt to the Sea author.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of impulsive
Noun
  • Crucially, the eggs were fittingly fluffy, none of that rubbery nonsense that plague lesser burrito slingers.
    — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Now the government is out to quash this plague of poor decision making.
    — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • By doing so, the Panthers tried a hurried, fire-drill field goal, which Ryan Fitzgerald then proceeded to miss, which meant the halftime score was 19-3, Buffalo, and soon to get much worse.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • There were multiple occasions in which A&M’s defensive front hit or hurried quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with just four rushers.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of hurried
Noun
  • But shipments to that whole network are also down so far this year, says Maria Van Kerkhove, interim director of the department of epidemic and pandemic threat management at WHO.
    — NPR, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Adding up all the currently available information, results are promising, and perhaps intermittent fasting can be at least part of the solution to our epidemic of Type 2 diabetes.
    — Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of epidemic
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Excluding disasters, sudden surges of this magnitude in requests for food or any other need are rare at 211s, and can signal both public worry and need, as happened in the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Matthew W. Kreuter, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of sudden
Noun
  • Fearing a spike in anti-Japanese sentiment ahead of the parade, the Japanese embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to stay cautious and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public – perhaps mindful that in recent years, there has been a spate of violent attacks against Japanese nationals in China.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The show, which debuted on Tuesday on Hulu, landed with a thud and garnered a jaw-dropping zero percent on Rotten Tomatoes from its initial spate of reviews, which included scathing takedowns from the Guardian, the Hollywood Reporter and the UK’s The Times.
    — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of spate
Adjective
  • According to reporting from El Dorado Hills community publication Village Life in 2023, Loewen’s hasty exit came months after El Dorado Hills residents voiced concerns over possible ethics and contract violations.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Chief among the clues police have recovered at the scene of Sunday's sensational crime at one of the world's most famous museums are traces of DNA found on items the thieves left behind in their hasty motorbike getaway.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of hasty
Noun
  • Only a handful of rafts floated lazily in the water.
    — Daniel Gonzalez, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Niners have dealt with a raft of injuries admirably.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of raft

Browse Nearby Words

rascals
rash
rashes
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Cite this Entry

“Rash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rash. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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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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