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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective venturesome contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of venturesome are adventurous, daredevil, daring, foolhardy, rash, and reckless. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

When is it sensible to use adventurous instead of venturesome?

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

adventurous pioneers

When can daredevil be used instead of venturesome?

The synonyms daredevil and venturesome are sometimes interchangeable, but daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When is daring a more appropriate choice than venturesome?

While the synonyms daring and venturesome are close in meaning, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When would foolhardy be a good substitute for venturesome?

The words foolhardy and venturesome are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

When might rash be a better fit than venturesome?

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

a rash decision

In what contexts can reckless take the place of venturesome?

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

a reckless driver

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 venturesome The venturesome Robert Irwin produced a spectral sculpture for a California mall in 1970, and Takashi Murakami infamously incorporated a Louis Vuitton pop-up in his 2007—08 traveling museum retrospective. Andrew Russeth, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024 Don Murray, the venturesome actor who earned an Oscar nomination for playing a rodeo cowboy smitten by Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop, then spurned Hollywood’s attempts to mold him, has died. Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Feb. 2024 For example, until the early 2000s, Countrywide did no subprime lending, leaving the field to the venturesome likes of the Money Store and Guardian S&L. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 18 July 2023 Part of a string of recent high-profile divorce records, Chemistry represents Clarkson at her most venturesome and liberated. Vulture, 27 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for venturesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for venturesome
Adjective
  • Memorable, inventive, and fully deserving of its place on the list, this one’s for the adventurous.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • There have been conflicts between rideshare drivers and taxis in the past, so consider sticking with a reputable taxi or car service, However, the more adventurous can rent a car to explore nearby cenotes, ruins, and regional highlights.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Here's what each means, according to the NWS: Heat advisory: A heat advisory is the lowest level and is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach the criteria for a more serious alert.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • More dangerous heat waves The Great Lakes region warmed substantially faster in the six years since the last assessment than it did in decades prior, the report shows.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • In today’s opinions newsletter: What worries Arizona farmers, the state’s first Turquoise Alert and a daring canal rescue.
    Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
  • The series follows the daring exploits of Tamar Rabinyan, a highly-skilled Mossad agent dispatched to the Iranian capital to undermine the mullahs’ burgeoning nuclear weapons program.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Despite receiving safety stamps of approval, the process for building the Las Vegas tunnels came under fire for worker safety violations and concerns, with the project being cited for numerous violations that included injuries and exposure to hazardous materials.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • Tyler Swardson with Greenwood Fire said their hazardous materials response team is on site to address any potential hazards.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • But through the sheer power of mixing genes into new combinations, the risky gamble of interspecies pairings has also sometimes majorly paid off.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 31 July 2025
  • The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) highlights how sleep deficiency, on the other hand, impairs these abilities and is linked to emotional issues, depression, and risky behaviors—especially in children and teens.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2025
  • In a perilous moment, the titular character uses the bullwhip to attach to a German cargo truck’s rear and drag behind it, saving himself from getting crushed beneath it.
    India Brown, Robb Report, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Whether individual owners can capitalize on these opportunities depends on their specific circumstances and business approach, but the industry trends and financial data make a compelling case for serious consideration.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Venturesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venturesome. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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