adventurous

adjective

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rəs How to pronounce adventurous (audio)
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
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.
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 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 However, denim is embracing more adventurous colors like vibrant blues, greens, reds, and yellows that make a statement. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2025 Danny has been the more adventurous of the two sharks, traveling as far south as Marathon in the Florida Keys and back north again, tracking shows. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025 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 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

adventurous

adjective
ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce adventurous (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on adventurous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!