adventurous

adjective

ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈven-ch(ə-)rəs How to pronounce adventurous (audio)
1
a
: disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown
an adventurous explorer
b
: innovative
an adventurous artistic style
2
: characterized by unknown dangers and risks
an adventurous journey
adventurously adverb
adventurousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for adventurous

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 adventurous in a Sentence

The island attracts adventurous travelers. He is an adventurous cook who is always trying new recipes. Her design is an adventurous departure from what we usually see. They have an adventurous lifestyle.
Recent Examples on the Web Aspen’s ski scene and mountainous landscape might be all the rage for adventurous travelers. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024 After releasing a travel collection for adventurous felines (and their humans), Argylle is now streaming on Apple TV+. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024 Last year, in response to the nine-year campaign, the Albanian government created the Vjosa Wild River National Park, where adventurous visitors can go rafting, climbing, and hiking. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024 While Bamboo Penny’s is a Thai restaurant, Aqua Penny’s offers fine-dining for patrons with an adventurous palate for all things aquatic. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024 The last year has been filled with travel for our adventurous readers, who have road-tripped through Tuscany, ridden camels in the Sahara and toured some of India’s most spectacular landmarks. Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024 The pair got up to some adventurous activities, including a helicopter ride around the Big Island. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024 As the film unfolds, scenarios range from thrilling roller coaster rides to epic space battles and adventurous journeys through landscapes. The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 Now, the good news: For the adventurous traveler, Asunción’s off-the-radar quality is its strongest asset. Laurence Blair, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adventurous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration (with -d- restored from Latin) of Middle English aventurous "occurring by chance, daring, seeking new exploits," borrowed from Anglo-French, from aventure adventure entry 1 + -ous -ous

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of adventurous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near adventurous

Cite this Entry

“Adventurous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adventurous. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

adventurous

adjective
ad·​ven·​tur·​ous əd-ˈvench-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce adventurous (audio)
1
: ready to take risks or to deal with the new and unknown
adventurous explorers
2
: having unknown dangers and risks
an adventurous voyage
adventurously adverb
adventurousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on adventurous

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