as in reckless
foolishly adventurous or bold
a madcap scheme to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 madcap
Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
The Three Stooges, who made the seltzer bottle a signature of their madcap slapstick brand of comedy, grew up in a Jewish household.
—Liza Weisstuch, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
The Phoenician Scheme, by comparison, is light and zany, as Korda embarks upon a madcap dash across the globe to save his dwindling fortune.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
Make that a madcap musical comedy with a lot of heart.
—Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for madcap
Adjective
The job of stunt performer seems to have sprung spontaneously from the rough and tumble action sequences demanded by the madcap silent screen — think Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain (1952) volunteering to risk his skin for his first chance before the camera.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
The Three Stooges, who made the seltzer bottle a signature of their madcap slapstick brand of comedy, grew up in a Jewish household.
—Liza Weisstuch, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
The Phoenician Scheme, by comparison, is light and zany, as Korda embarks upon a madcap dash across the globe to save his dwindling fortune.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
Make that a madcap musical comedy with a lot of heart.
—Jeryl Brunner, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for madcap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for madcap
Adjective
-
Alleged stabber Larry Boards is facing two counts of felony assault, reckless endangerment, and harassment for the crazed confrontation at the 82nd St.-Jackson Heights No. 7 train station at about 4:15 p.m. Friday, cops said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
-
Broadly, the search warrant describes the crimes as first-degree intentional homicide and reckless endangering of safety by use of a deadly weapon.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
There may devils in these details Jenkins is a former Detroit City Council president and nonprofit CEO.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
3 July 2025
-
In retrospect, both fans and Grenier himself have asserted that Nate may be the actual villain of The Devil Wears Prada, and not the titular devil herself.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Colerain Township native and daredevil photographer Isaac Wright was arrested May 15 at the end of his first solo gallery exhibition in New York City, his lawyer said.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
But continuity has always seemed an optional buy-in with M:I. A taste for elaborate, foolhardy, daredevil stunts is the only real prerequisite.—
A.A. Dowd,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Examples include Roan’s retro Grammy Awards performance atop a giant pink pony and surrounded by clown cowboys, and arriving on stage at the 2024 Governors Ball by bursting out of a smoking bong apple and emerging in full body paint as the Statue of Liberty.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
-
The term 'roughneck' conjures up images of rough-looking, greasy oilfield workers, sort of an iconic visual depiction, like those of cowboys of the old West.—
Matt Randolph,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Just in time for Mercury retrograde to begin on July 18, the messenger planet will backspin through your second house of self-worth and value systems, encouraging you to speak up and be more courageous and authentic about your heart’s desires.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
10 July 2025
-
Be courageous and walk up to people who seem interesting.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
20 June 2025
-
But to equate that with the actions of an evil madman betrays a shocking and sad ignorance of history.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
Memorable, inventive, and fully deserving of its place on the list, this one’s for the adventurous.—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
There have been conflicts between rideshare drivers and taxis in the past, so consider sticking with a reputable taxi or car service, However, the more adventurous can rent a car to explore nearby cenotes, ruins, and regional highlights.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
These brave men and women conducting rescue operations have saved many people but sadly, there have also been at least 50 fatalities reported, including 15 children as of Saturday night.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
-
The future of this country belongs to those brave enough to remember—and bold enough to keep building toward a more perfect union.—
Stacey Abrams,
Essence,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Madcap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/madcap. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share