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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective reckless contrast with its synonyms?

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

a reckless driver

When can adventurous be used instead of reckless?

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

adventurous pioneers

When might daredevil be a better fit than reckless?

Although the words daredevil and reckless have much in common, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for reckless?

The synonyms daring and reckless are sometimes interchangeable, but daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

In what contexts can foolhardy take the place of reckless?

While the synonyms foolhardy and reckless are close in meaning, 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 reckless?

The words rash and reckless can be used in similar contexts, but rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When could venturesome be used to replace reckless?

While in some cases nearly identical to reckless, 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 reckless Doing so while the federal government removes other crucial sources of income for higher education (federal grants and influx of international students) is reckless. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025 Saying goodbye to a chess piece like Fernandes represents a blow yet may prove a sensible diversion from the side’s reckless transfer policy over recent years. Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Mark Dial, a former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot a motorist during an August 2023 traffic stop, faces up to six years in prison as a jury convicted him of voluntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and possessing an instrument of crime, but acquitted him of murder charges. Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025 The student was taken into custody and transported to the Meriden Police Department where they were charged with first-degree arson, reckless burning, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reckless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reckless
Adjective
  • His career was built around the principles that a great idea can come from anywhere, a box office triumph is meant to be shared by an entire team and our creative choices need to be bold and daring.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 June 2025
  • The Russian missile attack on Ukraine comes days after Ukraine’s security service launched a series of daring, large-scale drone attacks deep into Russia, striking airfields and hitting 41 Russian military aircrafts.
    Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • On June 26, Mercury’s debut in Leo inspires us to be more expressive, confident and courageous in our exchanges.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Sebastian Carmona became the lead plaintiff and was joined by other courageous Salinas Valley farmworkers.
    Ignacio Ornelas Rodriguez, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Then there was the subplot of a daredevil robot named Saymo who broke up with his girlfriend in front of a crowd on a studio lot, then tried to roll off a ramp and fly over a car.
    Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Thousands of onlookers cheered wildly as daredevil pilot Bessie Coleman arced her Curtiss Jenny biplane into a spiral above a Houston field.
    Victor Luckerson, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Naturally, the truth does eventually come out at the reception, but Samantha still puts on a brave face for her friends.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 30 May 2025
  • Tielemans has mastered the balance, being brave in wanting the ball whatever the situation or stadium while never willingly giving ground to an opponent.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • If responsible breeders are regulated out of business, then the only ones left will be irresponsible breeders who ignore the laws.
    Sheila Goffe, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025
  • To inhabit a plantation for profit, especially as a white American, and not center its history in slavery is vile and irresponsible.
    Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • For less adventurous palates, there will be barbecue and funnel cake vendors among about 30.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
  • Director Robert Zemeckis finds mixed results marrying broad comedy and pop-culture references with the title wooden boy's adventurous quest to become a real kid.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • In August 2023, using the FWC’s report on the crash, prosecutors initially charged Pino with only three counts of misdemeanor careless boating.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • Being a careless jackass but also irresistibly charming is a tough needle to thread.
    Staff Author Published, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Expecting McCarthy to perform at a similar level would be foolhardy.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • And the idea of jumping straight into the hyper-intensity of a Game 7 after 3 1/2 months off was foolhardy.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reckless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reckless. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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