daredevil

1 of 2

adjective

dare·​dev·​il ˈder-ˌde-vᵊl How to pronounce daredevil (audio)
Synonyms of daredevilnext
: recklessly and often ostentatiously daring

daredevil

2 of 2

noun

: a recklessly bold person
daredevilry
ˈder-ˌde-vᵊl-rē How to pronounce daredevil (audio)
noun
daredeviltry
ˈder-ˌde-vᵊl-trē How to pronounce daredevil (audio)
noun

Synonyms of daredevil

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Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for daredevil

adventurous, venturesome, daring, daredevil, rash, reckless, foolhardy mean exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense.

adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

venturesome implies a jaunty eagerness for perilous undertakings.

venturesome stunt pilots

daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

Examples of daredevil in a Sentence

Adjective his daredevil stunts are sure to end in disaster someday a daredevil driver who thinks that drag racing on city streets is a harmless game Noun He has always been a bit of a daredevil. that little daredevil has broken an arm and an ankle this year alone
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
News earlier in the month, Johnson and East chatted about life at home with their three little ones, and shared which kid is taking on a daredevil personality. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 In addition to decades of performing his own impossible feats for the sake and sanctity of cinema, Cruise has lately taken to showing off his daredevil talents at sporting events worldwide. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026
Noun
While running with bulls is a cherished local custom for Spanish daredevils, Americans are still the leading group of foreigners who run at the San Fermin festival. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 On July 1, Russian daredevils climbed to the tip of the building's spire before getting engaged, and then arrested. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for daredevil

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1727, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daredevil was in 1727

Rhymes for daredevil

See All Rhymes for daredevil

Browse Nearby Words

Dare
daredevil
daredevilish
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Cite this Entry

“Daredevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daredevil. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

daredevil

noun
dare·​dev·​il
ˈda(ə)r-ˌdev-əl, 
ˈde(ə)r-
: a recklessly bold person
daredevil adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on daredevil

Nglish: Translation of daredevil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about daredevil

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