DAREDEVIL Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'daredevil' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daredevil are adventurous , daring , foolhardy , rash , reckless , and venturesome . While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," daredevil stresses ostentation in daring. // daredevil motorcyclists

Q: When would 'adventurous' be a good substitute for 'daredevil'?

The synonyms adventurous and daredevil are sometimes interchangeable, but adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence. // adventurous pioneers

Q: When could 'daring' be used to replace 'daredevil'?

In some situations, the words daring and daredevil are roughly equivalent. However, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger. // daring mountain climbers

Q: When is 'foolhardy' a more appropriate choice than 'daredevil'?

The meanings of foolhardy and daredevil largely overlap; however, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense. // the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Q: Where would 'rash' be a reasonable alternative to 'daredevil'?

Although the words rash and daredevil have much in common, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought. // a rash decision

Q: When might 'reckless' be a better fit than 'daredevil'?

The words reckless and daredevil can be used in similar contexts, but reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences. // a reckless driver

Q: In what contexts can 'venturesome' take the place of 'daredevil'?

While the synonyms venturesome and daredevil are close in meaning, venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings. // venturesome stunt pilots

daredevil 1 of 2

adjective

ˈder-ˌde-vᵊl

Definition of daredevil

as in reckless

foolishly adventurous or bold his daredevil stunts are sure to end in disaster someday

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in daring

having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions a daredevil driver who thinks that drag racing on city streets is a harmless game

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

daredevil

2 of 2

noun

as in cowboy

a person who seeks out very dangerous or foolhardy adventures with no apparent fear that little daredevil has broken an arm and an ankle this year alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective daredevil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daredevil are adventurous, daring, foolhardy, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would adventurous be a good substitute for daredevil?

The synonyms adventurous and daredevil are sometimes interchangeable, but adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

When could daring be used to replace daredevil?

In some situations, the words daring and daredevil are roughly equivalent. However, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When is foolhardy a more appropriate choice than daredevil?

The meanings of foolhardy and daredevil largely overlap; however, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Where would rash be a reasonable alternative to daredevil?

Although the words rash and daredevil have much in common, rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When might reckless be a better fit than daredevil?

The words reckless and daredevil can be used in similar contexts, but reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

In what contexts can venturesome take the place of daredevil?

While the synonyms venturesome and daredevil 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 daredevil

Adjective

At this time, Moore says, aviation was considered a daredevil sport, and successful pilots, especially in France, became celebrities. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 May 2026 Mira was an amiable baby, a daredevil toddler, and, once Dylan arrived, a menace. — Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Noun

While running with bulls is a cherished local custom for Spanish daredevils, Americans are still the leading group of foreigners who run at the San Fermin festival. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 On July 1, Russian daredevils climbed to the tip of the building's spire before getting engaged, and then arrested. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for daredevil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for daredevil

Adjective

Pearson faces charges of second-degree death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation, operating without a safety certificate and failure to keep a proper lookout.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
The other two teens were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of reckless

Adjective

Make your voice heard with your most daring predictions, from the best limited series and TV movie to acting, directing, and writing across genres.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
The daring shoes featured a charming detail around the ankle that can help reignite the anklet trend.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of daring

Adjective

However, rather than the courageous grand duchesses who fought for the freedom of their people far away, the author was fascinated by the suffragette movement of the 1910s.

— Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Those early songs and some of that stuff was so courageous, so good.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

The Ideal Trip for Families and Groups These 4x4 safaris are particularly well suited to families with teenagers and groups of friends seeking a more adventurous, immersive way to explore Iceland.

— Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Photograph by Ramona Rosales / AUGUST Musgraves’s subsequent albums have been sprawling in their search for meaning, and even more adventurous in the sonic pathways travelled to get there.

— Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of adventurous

Noun

In January, Watts was a guest on actor Rainn Wilson’s podcast, where Watts played devil’s advocate to Wilson’s skeptic about casual use of mind-altering substances.

— Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Throughout the movie, two mentors stand over each of his shoulders like an aproned angel and devil.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of devil

Noun

Either Republicans will retain control of Congress, or enough Democrats (one hopes) will prevail so Congress can reclaim its authority over a madman executive.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Many writers travelled to Jonestown to survey the shambles and determine whether this was a utopian experiment gone astray or a madman’s fever dream destined to fail.

— Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026

Definition of madman

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“Daredevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daredevil. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of daredevil

adjective

noun

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Synonyms of daredevil

adjective

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to daredevil

The Origins of Daredevil

11 Words for the Wild and Carefree

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on daredevil

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

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A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

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