Definition of foolhardynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective foolhardy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of foolhardy are adventurous, daredevil, daring, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Where would adventurous be a reasonable alternative to foolhardy?

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

adventurous pioneers

When is daredevil a more appropriate choice than foolhardy?

The words daredevil and foolhardy can be used in similar contexts, but daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for foolhardy?

The words daring and foolhardy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When might rash be a better fit than foolhardy?

In some situations, the words rash and foolhardy are roughly equivalent. However, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When can reckless be used instead of foolhardy?

While in some cases nearly identical to foolhardy, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When is it sensible to use venturesome instead of foolhardy?

While the synonyms venturesome and foolhardy are close in meaning, 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 foolhardy History suggests that declaring a front-runner in a presidential campaign nearly three years before Election Day is foolhardy to the point of recklessness. Adam Lashinsky, Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026 So Sumrall’s original words may have felt foolhardy, even fake. Noah White, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 Being polarized too far on either side feels foolhardy; while an aggressive ban might be too much for how nuanced and new this technology is, that doesn’t mean DSPs should throw their hands up and let culture-appropriating refuse pollute popular playlists. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026 Moreover, the notion the public will meekly accept weaker radiation standards without explanation seems foolhardy. Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foolhardy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolhardy
Adjective
  • Team priorities could collide as the concerned Moon in your 11th House of Aspirations nudges reckless Mars in your 5th House of Risks.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • From right near the March Madness logo, 35 feet from paydirt, off a reckless turnover committed by a juggernaut team that led by 19 points in the first half, and by 15 at halftime.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Authorities on Tuesday reportedly apprehended the Michigan woman who went viral after wriggling her way through a police cruiser window while still handcuffed in a daring getaway, according to local outlets.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The short teaser centers on yet more daring rescue missions from the heroic pups.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Help keep the center courageous.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Mahajan remains contagiously courageous and (narratively) humble.
    Sibani Ram, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • June 21 – July 22 A brave horizon calls for thoughtful steps.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
  • And there was a huge libel action against him that was taken out by a very brave writer called Deborah Lipstadt, who won against him.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Children can participate in fishing, particularly on the lake, and daredevil kiddos over eight can try their hand at driving cars at nearby Thruxton Circuit.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Keanu Reeves is back as Canadian daredevil toy Duke Caboom.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For travelers with an adventurous spirit, Costa Rica’s South Pacific is a dream come true.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Air travel in the early days was a little too adventurous for the average consumer.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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