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 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 Obsessing over Cabrera’s fastball is foolhardy. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Though he not-so-subtly scapegoated players, Quinton Byfield the foremost among them, Hiller’s own foolhardy challenge was the initial turning point toward a collapse that saw the Kings downgrade a 2-0 series lead into a 4-2 series loss. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 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
  • Smith said once caught, the suspect will face charges of making terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The teens face misdemeanors including trespassing and reckless conduct, and two were given citations for having pellet guns.
    — Sara Machi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Posing in a mirror selfie on the set of her Hulu show Only Murders in the Building, the actress wore a dramatic, daring red gown.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Zendaya in particular has proved exceptionally good at getting young viewers to show up for more daring movies, such as this spring’s The Drama; comparatively, something as broadly crowd-pleasing as Brand New Day is a layup.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of daring
Adjective
  • And what was the courageous act of the Indiana Fever guard, who turns 30 this month?
    — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The sun in Leo is expressive, vivacious and deeply courageous.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of courageous
Adjective
  • In her very first on-screen role, Reeves brings a nuanced, brave, and deeply intuitive performance as the titular character, an eight-year-old San Francisco resident who witnesses a horrific crime and has to deal with the emotional fallout.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Be brave and ask him if he has been involved with anyone else.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of brave
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
Definition of daredevil
Adjective
  • Creating Lifetime Consumers Intelligent and adventurous, Belle writes the ending to her own story.
    — Megan duBois, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • With 40-foot waves at Nelscott Reef, there’s also surfing for the adventurous set.
    — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of adventurous

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foolhardiness
foolhardy
fooling
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Cite this Entry

“Foolhardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foolhardy. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on foolhardy

Nglish: Translation of foolhardy for Spanish Speakers

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