venturesome

adjective

ˈven(t)-shər-səm How to pronounce venturesome (audio)
Definition of venturesomenext
1
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks a venturesome child tried to climb the huge tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury the first solo pilot to undertake the venturesome crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by air

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 Also coming to GroundUp is venturesome singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham, a Grammy nominee who is the subject of a recent profile worth checking out at Relix.com. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2023 Maybe low-budget films, documentaries, and foreign language fare didn’t always take up the slack, but the best of them at least tried to be more venturesome than the usual ossified studio product. —Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for venturesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for venturesome
  1. adventurous
  2. dangerous
  3. daring
  4. hazardous
  5. risky
  6. perilous
  7. serious
Adjective
  • Plenty of tour operators offer adventurous journeys from women: Sisters Traveling Solo, which sold out its 2024 tours; Wild Women Expeditions, an operator with tours in 27 countries; and Adventure Women, founded in 1982.
    — Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Often, adventurous children or adults help nature along by prodding the pods open, and blowing the seeds in the silk into the wind.
    — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of adventurous
Adjective
  • And maybe keep them away from a dangerous young Pistons team in the first round.
    — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Tale of the Tape Texas Tech is a dangerous squad from deep and the Red Raiders aren’t shy at taking 3-pointers, ranking No. 93 in 3-point rate.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • From her daring stage outfits to her elegant red carpet ensembles, there's no look that's gone untouched by the experimental trendsetter.
    — Michelle Lee, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • In stereotypical movies, the gallant hero saves the damsel through daring, dramatic action.
    — Amanda Nguyen, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of daring
Adjective
  • The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
    — Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The salad bar did not have time labels for potentially hazardous foods kept out of temperature control.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of hazardous
Adjective
  • Traditionally, however, penny stocks are pretty risky.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Forgoing a balanced diet or drastically cutting calories is risky.
    — Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of risky
Adjective
  • Our ancestors crossed a vast ocean, strode into the unknown wilderness, and carve their fortunes from the rock and soil of a perilous and very dangerous frontier.
    — TIME Staff, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Our ancestors crossed a vast ocean, strode into the unknown wilderness, and carved their fortunes from the rock and soil of a perilous and very dangerous frontier.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of perilous
Adjective
  • The Aggies are in a serious rough patch, however, having lost their last three games in a row.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Someone can have a heart attack or stroke as a result, which can have very serious complications including permanent disability and death.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of serious

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Cite this Entry

“Venturesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venturesome. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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