Synonyms of adventurous
1
a
: disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown
an adventurous explorer
b
: innovative
an adventurous artistic style
2
: characterized by unknown dangers and risks
an adventurous journey
adventurously adverb
adventurousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for adventurous

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense.

adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Examples of adventurous in a Sentence

The island attracts adventurous travelers. He is an adventurous cook who is always trying new recipes. Her design is an adventurous departure from what we usually see. They have an adventurous lifestyle.
Recent Examples on the Web
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This gift box contains eight bars, spanning from 58 to 80% cacao, in flavors like banana foster and green tea crunch for the adventurous and pink sea salt or pure cacao, dates, and vanilla for the purists. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 The result was a journey that allowed the guests to experience some of the planet’s last truly wild places in a way that felt adventurous, luxurious, and safe. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026 Signs of this history were on display amid all the adventurous modern art that made Mandell’s home seem like an elegant, circus-like wonderland. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Randy Marsh, Stan’s ever-adventurous father, decides to check out the looksmaxxing craze and has his face rated by users. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adventurous

Word History

Etymology

alteration (with -d- restored from Latin) of Middle English aventurous "occurring by chance, daring, seeking new exploits," borrowed from Anglo-French, from aventure adventure entry 1 + -ous -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of adventurous was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurous. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

adventurous

adjective
1
: ready to take risks or to deal with the new and unknown
adventurous explorers
2
: having unknown dangers and risks
an adventurous voyage
adventurously adverb
adventurousness noun
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