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 Piglet, Winnie-the-Pooh franchise (1926–present) Sidekick to: Winnie-the-Pooh Piglet is timid, skittish, and self-conscious; Pooh is oblivious, adventurous, and rumbly-in-my-tumbly goofy. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 In a park this scenic, even a drive can feel adventurous. Emily Pennington, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 For your spring break vacation, skip the long airport lines this year and take an adventurous or relaxing cruise. Essence, 5 Mar. 2024 For more adventurous silent-seekers, a growing range of travel providers combine mindful silence with outdoor activity. Tasha Kleeman, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Mar. 2024 Each podcast episode is a short story that follows seven young and adventurous Black characters through their everyday lives. Meimei Fox, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 This little guy is beautiful, playful, sweet and adventurous. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 That’s the modus operandi at Bluebeard, where frequent James Beard award-nominee Abbi Morris has crafted a menu that is simple but adventurous. The Indianapolis Star, 15 Feb. 2024 This cookbook is a must-have for pescatarians, home cooks with a knack for sustainability, adventurous eaters, and anyone who loves hosting dinner parties. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 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 18 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!