harebrained

adjective

hare·​brained ˈher-ˈbrānd How to pronounce harebrained (audio)
Synonyms of harebrainednext
1
: foolish sense 1
2
: absurd, ridiculous

Synonyms of harebrained

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Examples of harebrained in a Sentence

the movie follows the harebrained antics of a pair of stoners who seem incapable of growing up a harebrained idea to go for a hike in an area where grizzly bear attacks had recently been reported
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Lucy’s harebrained schemes constantly sent Ricky over the edge — and had audiences howling with laughter. — Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026 Kennedy could have blamed the Eisenhower administration for initiating such a harebrained plan. — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 1 Feb. 2026 Cuomo staying in the race could make for the most unpredictable, harebrained mayoral election that New York has had since 1977. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 3 July 2025 One of Steve’s harebrained schemes involves founding a movie theater speakeasy, for which the film-loving pair decides to pinch the private print at the following week’s engagement. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for harebrained

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of harebrained was in 1534

Rhymes for harebrained

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Browse Nearby Words

harebrain
harebrained
hared up
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Cite this Entry

“Harebrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harebrained. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

harebrained

adjective
hare·​brained -ˈbrānd How to pronounce harebrained (audio)
: silly sense 1, giddy

More from Merriam-Webster on harebrained

Nglish: Translation of harebrained for Spanish Speakers

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