Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective adventurous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adventurous are daredevil, daring, foolhardy, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

When would daredevil be a good substitute for adventurous?

The words daredevil and adventurous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When is it sensible to use daring instead of adventurous?

In some situations, the words daring and adventurous are roughly equivalent. However, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When can foolhardy be used instead of adventurous?

The words foolhardy and adventurous can be used in similar contexts, but foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

When is rash a more appropriate choice than adventurous?

While in some cases nearly identical to adventurous, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When could reckless be used to replace adventurous?

Although the words reckless and adventurous have much in common, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

In what contexts can venturesome take the place of adventurous?

The synonyms venturesome and adventurous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 adventurous The cocktail bar and pool feel like chic and adventurous upgrades from most lounges. Stefanie Waldek, Curbed, 30 June 2025 Fisherman core Sagittarius is adventurous and layered, both literally and figuratively. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025 Seeing Julian Klausner’s very first menswear collection for Dries Van Noten was a special moment — marking not just a new chapter for the house, but a thoughtful and adventurous continuation of its legacy. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025 According to friends and family, Hubert is kind, selfless, capable and adventurous. Bella Waters, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for adventurous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adventurous
Adjective
  • Not long before the end, the daring writer-director introduces an idea that should have been established from the jump: As a child, Seti struggled with a speech impediment.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • This also pushed Kubi to be more daring as a designer and explore new techniques.
    Ezreen Benissan, Essence, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Since his 2018 debut album, he’s used his singular songs, bold fashion and social activism to amass a worldwide fandom and set industry records.
    Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • This might include a favorite texture, bold glasses, a scent that anchors you, or a piece of jewelry that reminds you of your strength.
    Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Be courageous and walk up to people who seem interesting.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • Just in time for Mercury retrograde to begin on July 18, the messenger planet will backspin through your second house of self-worth and value systems, encouraging you to speak up and be more courageous and authentic about your heart’s desires.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The key was producing a fearless collective of players — at odds with the previous century of football in Belgium.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Her all-court game and fearless attitude have turned heads, and her poise beyond her years is drawing comparisons to some of the sport's all-time greats.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • These brave men and women conducting rescue operations have saved many people but sadly, there have also been at least 50 fatalities reported, including 15 children as of Saturday night.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Those helming businesses are required to make a crucial call about staying the course amid uncertainty or forging a brave, new path.
    Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The newly-hyperactive Apple and Amazon, which control relatively few franchises, are more adventuresome with originals than the older studios.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
  • However, college kids and teens are adventuresome travel companions who enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, fine dining, and cool shopping.
    Jackie Burrell, Parents, 29 July 2024
Adjective
  • Of course, that doesn’t mean that some enterprising bartenders aren’t willing to play around with the standard Rum Runner formula and find ways to modernize this old-school favorite.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
  • Two years later, it was resurrected again by an enterprising German immigrant named Walter Staib, an award-winning chef who hailed from a family of celebrated cooks and bakers.
    James Dodson July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Outfits that once felt aspirational quickly become irrelevant, leaving behind a cycle of impulsive purchases, lukewarm satisfaction, and the constant itch for reinvention.
    Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 8 July 2025
  • Back in 1937, Winfield James, Harry Caldwell and Jimmy Pickard — three impulsive teens from Abilene, just out of high school and trying to avoid summer jobs — paddled a small canoe some 660 miles down the Colorado from Ballinger, Texas, to the Gulf of Mexico.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adventurous. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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