foolhardy

adjective

ˈfül-ˌhär-dē How to pronounce foolhardy (audio)
Definition of foolhardynext
1
as in reckless
foolishly adventurous or bold hikers who were foolhardy enough to remain on the summit during a thunderstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in daring
having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions it's foolhardy to go hiking during late fall without warm clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective foolhardy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of foolhardy are adventurous, daredevil, daring, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Where would adventurous be a reasonable alternative to foolhardy?

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

adventurous pioneers

When is daredevil a more appropriate choice than foolhardy?

The words daredevil and foolhardy can be used in similar contexts, but daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for foolhardy?

The words daring and foolhardy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When might rash be a better fit than foolhardy?

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

a rash decision

When can reckless be used instead of foolhardy?

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

a reckless driver

When is it sensible to use venturesome instead of foolhardy?

While the synonyms venturesome and foolhardy 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 foolhardy Actions that seemed foolhardy when Rue was younger now come off as merely chancy, with Zendaya imparting enough hard-knock experience to pull off bigger swings. — Carla Meyer, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026 To simply try to cram additional housing into areas already strained with overdevelopment is irresponsible and foolhardy. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2026 Obsessing over Cabrera’s fastball is foolhardy. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Though he not-so-subtly scapegoated players, Quinton Byfield the foremost among them, Hiller’s own foolhardy challenge was the initial turning point toward a collapse that saw the Kings downgrade a 2-0 series lead into a 4-2 series loss. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foolhardy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foolhardy
  1. reckless
  2. daring
  3. courageous
  4. brave
  5. daredevil
  6. adventurous
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
  • How will this play out as these brave, disillusioned journalists enter our world?
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Gunn was indeed brave, and her performance was indeed a train wreck.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of brave
Adjective
  • News earlier in the month, Johnson and East chatted about life at home with their three little ones, and shared which kid is taking on a daredevil personality.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • In addition to decades of performing his own impossible feats for the sake and sanctity of cinema, Cruise has lately taken to showing off his daredevil talents at sporting events worldwide.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026
Definition of daredevil
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

Browse Nearby Words

foolhardiness
foolhardy
fooling
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Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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