rash 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of rashnext
as in impulsive
acting or done with excessive or careless speed that was too rash a move, for now I've lost my bishop and probably the whole chess game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rash

2 of 2

noun

as in plague

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Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rash contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rash are adventurous, daredevil, daring, foolhardy, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When is adventurous a more appropriate choice than rash?

The words adventurous and rash are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

Where would daredevil be a reasonable alternative to rash?

The synonyms daredevil and rash are sometimes interchangeable, but daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When would daring be a good substitute for rash?

The words daring and rash can be used in similar contexts, but daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When can foolhardy be used instead of rash?

While the synonyms foolhardy and rash are close in meaning, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

In what contexts can reckless take the place of rash?

The meanings of reckless and rash largely overlap; however, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When could venturesome be used to replace rash?

In some situations, the words venturesome and rash are roughly equivalent. However, 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 rash
Adjective
Catastrophizing, making rash decisions and hasty cuts and failing to see the situation clearly just exacerbate the issue. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 So unless someone is at high risk for Lyme, the standard advice following a tick bite is to wait and watch for fever, rash or flulike illness over the next 30 days and see a doctor right away if any symptoms appear. — Kate Wong, Scientific American, 22 June 2026
Noun
Chicago police on Thursday issued a community alert about a rash of burglaries on the city's Far South Side. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 25 June 2026 My medication has resolved or significantly improved my symptoms, including the body rash, itching, fatigue, brain fog, and joint and muscle pain. — Kelly Morlan, Health, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rash
  1. impulsive
  2. plague
  3. hurried
  4. epidemic
  5. sudden
  6. spate
  7. hasty
  8. raft
Adjective
  • The desire for freedom is overpowering, as is the potential for impulsive and rash decisions made in the moment.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Many individuals fall prey to emotional pitfalls like fear, greed, or shame, leading to impulsive spending, credit card debt, and neglecting long-term goals like retirement.
    — ByGabriel Shahin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of impulsive
Noun
  • That aspiration has become increasingly elusive to many Americans over the last decade as home prices remain near record highs and supply shortages plague much of the country.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • She’s now caught in the middle of a deadly magical plague and high-stakes political drama.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • But for some reason the powers that be have decreed artificial intelligence a civilizational imperative, requiring the hurried construction of swarms of data centers, on Earth and in space.
    — Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Right now, decisions are being made in a hurried, contradictory fashion.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Definition of hurried
Noun
  • Historians estimate that the North American epidemic killed at least 100,000 to 130,000 people over several years.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • No disrespect to Meredith Marks, of course, but this Bravo DJ epidemic has gotten out of control.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Definition of epidemic
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Definition of sudden
Noun
  • Serious encounters with alligators remain relatively rare, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data, but the recent spate of attacks has prompted new warnings from local authorities.
    — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The facilities are a critical part of the behavioral health safety net, but a spate of injuries and 17 deaths drew scrutiny from state lawmakers last year.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026
Definition of spate
Adjective
  • Iranian critics of the MoU claim Tehran was too hasty in agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without gaining any tangible benefits from the agreement.
    — July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Catastrophizing, making rash decisions and hasty cuts and failing to see the situation clearly just exacerbate the issue.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of hasty
Noun
  • Despite a raft of Western sanctions, Moscow remains among the world's top exporters of oil and natural gas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
  • Despite a raft of Western sanctions, Moscow remains among the world’s top exporters of oil and natural gas.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of raft

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Rash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rash. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rash

Nglish: Translation of rash for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rash

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