Definition of recklessnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective reckless contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reckless are adventurous, daredevil, daring, foolhardy, rash, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When can adventurous be used instead of reckless?

The meanings of adventurous and reckless largely overlap; however, adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

When might daredevil be a better fit than reckless?

Although the words daredevil and reckless have much in common, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for reckless?

The synonyms daring and reckless are sometimes interchangeable, but daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

In what contexts can foolhardy take the place of reckless?

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

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Where would rash be a reasonable alternative to reckless?

The words rash and reckless can be used in similar contexts, but rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When could venturesome be used to replace reckless?

While in some cases nearly identical to reckless, 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 reckless Much of the additional supply reflects long lead projects sanction years ago, not reckless new investment, Staples said. Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 7 Jan. 2026 Critics at home nonetheless called it reckless and unauthorized, while the administration pointed to the WPR and long-standing criminal indictments as sufficient legal basis. Paul Vallas, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026 More reckless spending justified as political resistance. Brian Jones, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026 The latter's exceptionally epic run during season 5 displayed the kind of reckless flair and horniness not seen on television since Samantha Jones—another PR maven from the mind of Darren Star—sashayed out of our lives with the final Sex and the City film in 2010. Sam Reed, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reckless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reckless
Adjective
  • Rae’s dress featured a dramatic deep V neckline and nude illusion mesh straps that create a daring contrast against the gown’s sleek black fabric.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Her nude mani was rounded but with a square tip, which is the perfect mix between elegant and daring.
    Ana Serrano, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From her perspective, seeking support is not a lack of discipline, but a rational and courageous response to a complex condition that thrives in silence.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
  • When somebody like Will Smith is courageous enough to be vulnerable and to immerse himself in, for my episode, Antarctica, the audience is able to see themselves through Will.
    Abigail Wise, Outside, 3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Nixon has built a reputation on social media for being a daredevil pilot with clips on his Instagram often showing him performing stunts in helicopters, including low-level sprints, sharp turns and risky maneuvers while in the air, PEOPLE previously reported.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The first season followed 17-year-old Ethan (Cantona James) seeking a way out of the Southside’s bloody cycle of gang violence through spinning, a South African extreme motorsport that features drivers performing daredevil stunts.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And that was a brave thing to do.
    Dan Morrison, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In the Zootopia sequel directed by Jared Bush and Bryon Howard, brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), team up again to crack the most perilous and intricate case of their careers.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Republicans must credibly promise to rein in irresponsible spending and smartly cut waste so that Americans see tangible relief.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Reddit commenters quickly rallied around her, calling her friend’s actions irresponsible.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, this is a less-adventurous release than past chapters of Little Book, but there are a range of classic bourbon notes like vanilla, maple, honey, pear, baked apple, and that signature Jim Beam peanut note.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Spend a day at Baía do Sancho, often ranked the world’s best beach for its turquoise water, abundant marine life, and adventurous cliffside access.
    Carla Vianna, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • He was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and was later issued a summons for no insurance, careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, officials said.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Jenkins’ fumble was due to careless ball-handling, although two members of his offensive line got bull-rushed, leading to the pressure.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There is another reason why lifting the deposit insurance limits is foolhardy.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
  • In Pynchon’s best works, his bleakness is brightened, in both senses—illuminated and made lighter—by the sweep of his vision and his affection for his fallible, foolhardy, well-meaning, wildly outmatched main characters.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reckless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reckless. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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