daring 1 of 3

daring

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noun

daring

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verb

present participle of dare

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective daring contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of daring are adventurous, daredevil, foolhardy, rash, reckless, and venturesome. While all these words mean "exposing oneself to danger more than required by good sense," daring implies fearlessness in courting danger.

daring mountain climbers

When is it sensible to use adventurous instead of daring?

The meanings of adventurous and daring largely overlap; however, adventurous implies a willingness to accept risks but not necessarily imprudence.

adventurous pioneers

In what contexts can daredevil take the place of daring?

Although the words daredevil and daring have much in common, daredevil stresses ostentation in daring.

daredevil motorcyclists

When can foolhardy be used instead of daring?

In some situations, the words foolhardy and daring are roughly equivalent. However, foolhardy suggests a recklessness that is inconsistent with good sense.

the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm

When is rash a more appropriate choice than daring?

The synonyms rash and daring are sometimes interchangeable, but rash suggests imprudence and lack of forethought.

a rash decision

When would reckless be a good substitute for daring?

The words reckless and daring are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reckless implies heedlessness of probable consequences.

a reckless driver

When could venturesome be used to replace daring?

While the synonyms venturesome and daring 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 daring
Adjective
Both announcements were mocked for their pace, but could any other show or movie pull off such a daring (yet glacially slow) event for something as ordinary as a release date or cast reveal? Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025 Co-created with star Stephen Graham, the four-part series uses a daring one-shot for each episode to call attention to widespread reports of young boys involved in knife crimes. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
Challengers prevailed, in a sense, by having both the polish of the former and the daring of the latter. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The mixture of tradition and daring also characterizes the spirit of the New York City Ballet. Ian Malone, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024
Verb
Against the Vikings in Week 10, the Jags played the highest percentage of two high safety snaps in a game — a shockingly passive approach — daring Darnold to consistently find shorter completions. Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 First off, most studio horror films don’t take anywhere near the kind of risks that this daring genre flick takes. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for daring
Adjective
  • Nick, the son of shipping tycoon Massimo Marone (Joseph Mascolo), often was depicted as an adventurous and ambitious man who worked as a sea captain.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There’s so much talent in New York, and diners are more curious, more adventurous, and more informed than ever.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is the untold origin of a revolution—where faith is tested, courage is forged, and the forces of darkness fight to extinguish the light.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
  • After 20 years, the Big Bang remains a symbol of modernity and creative courage.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When proposing changes or challenging existing practices, presenting ideas at the right time is essential.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • And don’t overlook the impact that challenging engineering and construction conditions can have on your calculations.
    Katherine Latham, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The world’s multilateral architecture is the best mechanism humanity has for confronting existential transnational threats.
    Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Any return to play in England would entail Henderson confronting the subject again.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • On paper, this might sound like a bold step toward addressing the climate crisis.
    George Peppas, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Sticking with the same formula is a bold move for Nintendo, which rarely does the same thing twice.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The ceremony honored eight recipients from around the world for acts of bravery, activism, perseverance and more.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Reprising the role of the cocky Naval aviator required the bravery of a real fighter pilot.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Pep Guardiola’s side have lost eight of their last 13 games in all competitions since the beginning of November, and the Catalan is facing the first major crisis in his managerial career.
    Emmet Gates, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • The company is now facing a $500 million lawsuit from Delta, highlighting the significant consequences of software failures as a result of poor testing.
    Sol Rashidi, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This is another stark reminder of the selfless sacrifice of our brave military men and women who risk their lives around the world every day to keep us safe.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Malavasi, whose story is little known outside Reggio Emilia, is one of four brave heroines featured in historian Suzanne Cope’s new book, Women of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Daring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/daring. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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