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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 Doing so while the federal government removes other crucial sources of income for higher education (federal grants and influx of international students) is reckless. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025 Saying goodbye to a chess piece like Fernandes represents a blow yet may prove a sensible diversion from the side’s reckless transfer policy over recent years. Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Mark Dial, a former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot a motorist during an August 2023 traffic stop, faces up to six years in prison as a jury convicted him of voluntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and possessing an instrument of crime, but acquitted him of murder charges. Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025 The student was taken into custody and transported to the Meriden Police Department where they were charged with first-degree arson, reckless burning, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reckless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reckless
Adjective
  • The Russian missile attack on Ukraine comes days after Ukraine’s security service launched a series of daring, large-scale drone attacks deep into Russia, striking airfields and hitting 41 Russian military aircrafts.
    Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • His career was built around the principles that a great idea can come from anywhere, a box office triumph is meant to be shared by an entire team and our creative choices need to be bold and daring.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Very courageous of his elderly owner to part with him to ensure he was delivered into caring and loving hands.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • This month, a group of courageous plaintiffs took their fight for fairness to federal court, filing a civil rights lawsuit to hold California accountable.
    Tri Ta, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Not even the endless crowing about this daredevil feat in the marketing campaign leading up to the Cannes Film Festival premiere (and the movie’s release on May 23rd) can suck the exhilaration and sense of awe of watching this extended jaunt through the wild blue yonder.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
  • Then there was the subplot of a daredevil robot named Saymo who broke up with his girlfriend in front of a crowd on a studio lot, then tried to roll off a ramp and fly over a car.
    Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The most beautiful, kind, wise, brave, powerful people in my life.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025
  • His range, from adventurous spirit to lovestruck teen to brave hero, plays across his face with ease.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • And no doubt, many local governments and certainly the state government are running things in an obviously irresponsible manner.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 June 2025
  • But sadly, what’s easiest to remember are those irresponsible kayakers, manatee tour boats and recreational swimmers who harass Florida’s iconic marine mammals.
    Ragan Whitlock, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • The dancer dreams of one day starting a travel TV show with his adventurous pup, on which they ping-pong around the world, helping to rescue stray animals and exploring the dances and cultures of other countries.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • For one thing: Bruce Springsteen heard Church’s new album, Evangeline vs. the Machine, an adventurous project that introduces orchestral and choral sounds to Church’s rebellious brand of country music.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • State troopers cited the truck driver who caused the crash, a 57-year-old Texas man, for careless driving causing injury, according to the agency.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
  • Edmund Richard Hartley, 32, the alleged operator of the vessel towing Ella, has been charged with four misdemeanors for careless operation of a vessel, the commission said.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Expecting McCarthy to perform at a similar level would be foolhardy.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • And the idea of jumping straight into the hyper-intensity of a Game 7 after 3 1/2 months off was foolhardy.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reckless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reckless. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

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