daring

1 of 2

adjective

dar·​ing ˈder-iŋ How to pronounce daring (audio)
Synonyms of daringnext
: venturesomely bold in action or thought
daringly
ˈder-iŋ-lē How to pronounce daring (audio)
adverb
daringness noun

daring

2 of 2

noun

: venturesome boldness

Synonyms of daring

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Adjective

Noun

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

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 daring in a Sentence

Adjective a daring reporter who has covered several wars She's a daring innovator in the field of biotechnology. a daring plan to steal the famous painting She decided to wear a daring dress to the party. ideas that are new and daring the artist's daring use of color Noun Skydiving requires both skill and daring. He performs the trick with the daring of a stuntman.
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
The tactics used are as unconventional and daring as those in spy novels. — Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 The look fits with Theron’s more daring leanings, especially on this press tour. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
Lucky for roughage lovers, McKinnon’s salad daring also made the transcontinental move. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 6 Aug. 2026 Their coach, Rudi Garcia, showed some tactical daring, holding out two of his more prominent players until partway through the second half, injecting some energy into the game when the starters began to flag. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for daring

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1575, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daring was in the 14th century

Rhymes for daring

See All Rhymes for daring

Browse Nearby Words

Darien, Isthmus of
daring
daringly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daring. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

daring

1 of 2 adjective
dar·​ing
ˈda(ə)r-iŋ, 
ˈde(ə)r-
: ready to take risks
daringly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce daring (audio)
adverb

daring

2 of 2 noun
: fearless boldness

More from Merriam-Webster on daring

Nglish: Translation of daring for Spanish Speakers

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