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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rash

2 of 2

noun

as in plague

Related Words

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
Trump’s strong reactions may relate to his recent banning of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House — a rash action that was stopped by a federal judge last week. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Some people don’t have any symptoms, while others experience fever, body aches, headaches, rash, and gastrointestinal symptoms. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
Over the past two years, the rising wave of anti-Hindu hate has included a rash of vandalism and attacks across the country. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Avoid this by not touching the rash and keeping it covered, as the fluid inside the shingles blisters is what contains the infectious particles. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 13 Oct. 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
  • Some people may also become more impulsive, choosing the quickest or easiest option simply to avoid the stress of making a decision.
    — Kriti Kumar, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Add to that discretionary recurring expenses like streaming subscriptions and some impulsive spending, and individuals can easily wind up with little room between their income and their expenses, Olson says.
    — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of impulsive
Noun
  • Two-inch straps tipped with zinc alloy hooks lock the cover down and cut back on the constant readjusting that plagues cheaper slipcovers.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest problem with the plague was that no one knew when it would be fully curbed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • Homemade enchiladas might sound like a laborious weekend project, but with a few clever tricks, this version made with black beans and pumpkin can be whipped up on even the most hurried of work nights.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Dooley emphasized the preliminary nature of the ruling and the hurried nature of the litigation preceding it in a short, 12-page decision.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurried
Noun
  • In parts of society or in businesses, AI could exacerbate existing weaknesses, like extreme income inequality and the loneliness epidemic.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Michelle is working to cope with the recurring US epidemic of gun violence on school campuses.
    — Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of epidemic
Adjective
  • This is not a sudden shift in attitude to defend a controversial CBA.
    — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to low blood oxygen levels and low blood pressure, a pulmonary embolism can affect the heart, causing a fast or irregular heart rate, right-sided heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of sudden
Noun
  • Tensions have soared in the West Bank in the weeks before the Israeli election, with a spate of settler violence and military activity centered on the start of the olive harvesting season.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • About Estrogen Skin Care There are two main (and opposing) concerns about this new spate of estrogen skin-care products.
    — Ashley Abramson, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of spate
Adjective
  • The policy changes have environmental advocates concerned the review may be hasty and not follow the full intent of the National Environmental Policy Act.
    — Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The woman understood from her hasty reading that perhaps all miracles could be attributed to saints and angels if they were experienced by a believer.
    — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of hasty
Noun
  • Such a difficult start was understandable after a hugely disruptive offseason, which saw a raft of star players leave the club, including Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, Emi Martinez and Youri Tielemans.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In the same era, Democrats in Congress enacted a raft of social programs that would become part of the language, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
    — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of raft

Browse Nearby Words

rascals
rash
rashes
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on rash

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rash

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of grotesque

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All