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 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 lack of good sense <the foolhardy sailor ventured into the storm>.

adventurous, venturesome, and daring mean taking risks that are not necessary. adventurous is used for a person who goes in search of adventure in spite of the possible dangers. <Adventurous youngsters went on a hike through the forest.> venturesome is used of a person willing to take many chances. <Venturesome explorers searched for lost treasure.> daring is used when someone is fearless and willing to take unnecessary risks. <Early pilots were especially daring.>