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 Postponing feels impossible and going ahead feels foolhardy. —Jeffrey Seller, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 At that point, $2,500 for a couple’s night out with theater, drinks and dinner might look pretty foolhardy. —Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025 But the assumption of massive demand has proven foolhardy. —Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 His flashiest assists were offset by foolhardy turnovers. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 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
  • Sadly, the reckless political extremism of mid-20th century America is also having a revival.
    — Jane S. Smith, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • The girl’s 47-year-old stepmom is charged with child endangerment and reckless endangerment by discharging a firearm from within a motor vehicle, Shelby County court records show.
    — Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of daring
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
Definition of courageous
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
Definition of brave
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
Definition of daredevil
Adjective
  • For less adventurous palates, there will be barbecue and funnel cake vendors among about 30.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
  • Her newfound cachet, coupled with her adventurous tastes, brought her to unexpected places.
    — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Definition of adventurous

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foolhardiness
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fooling
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Cite this Entry

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

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