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

Related Words

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 result of such rash maneuvers can only be a general slackening of standards. —Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 One rash decision changes the course of his life. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
Those may be followed by small white spots in the mouth within two or three days, and a rash usually beginning on the face before spreading downward. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 Those that do report minor symptoms, including soreness at the injection site, slight fever, or rash. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Feb. 2026 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
  • Margot Robbie’s Catherine is whimsical, impulsive and occasionally delusional, a woman intoxicated by her own volatility.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Intuition without reflection can become impulsive.
    — Malana VanTyler, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of impulsive
Noun
  • As a small rural settlement is swiftly and ruthlessly stripped bare by the twin plagues of a diphtheria epidemic and spreading wildfires, the film eventually descends into a near-literal hellscape, though even when pandemonium takes over on screen, Van Dusen’s formal control never wavers.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Published in 1842, Poe’s story follows Prince Prospero, who retreats with a group of nobles into a fortified abbey as a deadly plague ravages the countryside.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • No desks stacked with laptops, no hurried haggling over prices in tight booths, no sense that collectors were racing against the clock.
    — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • While the timing seems suspect and a bit hurried, the Italian veteran actor and James make their characters’ connection feel inevitable.
    — Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of hurried
Noun
  • As a small rural settlement is swiftly and ruthlessly stripped bare by the twin plagues of a diphtheria epidemic and spreading wildfires, the film eventually descends into a near-literal hellscape, though even when pandemonium takes over on screen, Van Dusen’s formal control never wavers.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Duffy cast the backlash as a relic of the crack cocaine epidemic, during which smoking was the main route of administration.
    — Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of epidemic
Adjective
  • Instead of analyzing every detail in a scene, the human brain quickly detects sudden motion or change and reacts first.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Demand for cross-border relocation, residency planning and citizenship consultancy services is being driven by geopolitical tensions and sudden policy shifts, advisers who work with ultra-high-net-worth clients told CNBC.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of sudden
Noun
  • The findings dovetail with a spate of romance scammers on social media, particularly Telegram, promoting HELOC fraud as an effective new way to bilk victims out of even more money.
    — Kevin Collier, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Kraft Heinz has lost out to rivals, with Cahillane saying a recent spate of price hikes alienated consumers who were already straying from its brands in favor of healthier alternatives at a lower cost.
    — Reuters Wire Service, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of spate
Adjective
  • Juventus were heavily criticised last year for financing a rebuild with hasty sales of Next Gen graduates like Dean Huijsen and Matias Soule.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Clashes between protesters and federal agents have at times led to hasty arrests and charges, leading some cases to crumble under court scrutiny or be voluntarily dismissed by government prosecutors after more evidence emerges.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of hasty
Noun
  • The oar swung violently in its oarlock, knocking him into the river and crumpling the raft’s aluminum frame.
    — Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Wide-scale desertions and 2 million draft dodgers are among a raft of challenges for Ukraine, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said last month.
    — Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
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 16 Feb. 2026.

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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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