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 However foolhardy, counterproductive and costly, cities have a right to challenge state laws. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 May 2026 But for this period of time, there were assumptions that were getting made that were not foolhardy, completely. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 May 2026 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 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
  • In addition, the jury found the two deputies acted with reckless disregard and awarded $10 million in punitive damages.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Chiu was convicted of murder, second-degree robbery, assault with a firearm and reckless evasion of police.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • The project has since taken the brand on daring and adventurous trips to the most remote locations around the world, all documented by Mollison.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • At the center of it all is the daring, epic raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of daring
Adjective
  • As with any courageous statement, acceptance is rarely unanimous.
    — Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Sadly, sports reformers across the country have abandoned the hard work of courageous whistleblowers, such as Bensel-Meyers, and now sing the tune of college athlete compensation.
    — Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Prioritizing oneself is something Ariana Grande has been brave about as well, with Grande perhaps the poster child for the biggest mental health story of the year.
    — Rob LeDonne, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of brave
Adjective
  • Gortner also starred with Lynda Carter in Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw (1976), appeared in the daredevil biopic Viva Knievel!
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Prince Harry went skydiving near Toronto on Friday, but the daredevil move wasn't just for fun.
    — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of daredevil
Adjective
  • The Original Series, Walter helped inspire audiences with his optimism, humor, and adventurous spirit.
    — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026
  • And for an actress whose adventurous filmography spans the Hollywood blockbuster Pacific Rim and the offbeat indie Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter, the role draws on more of her range than ever.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of adventurous

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Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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