daring

1 of 3

adjective

dar·​ing ˈder-iŋ How to pronounce daring (audio)
Synonyms of daring
: venturesomely bold in action or thought
daringly
ˈder-iŋ-lē How to pronounce daring (audio)
adverb
daringness noun

daring

2 of 3

noun

: venturesome boldness

daring

3 of 3

present participle of dare entry 1

Synonyms of daring

Relevance

Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for daring

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 daring in a Sentence

Adjective a daring reporter who has covered several wars She's a daring innovator in the field of biotechnology. a daring plan to steal the famous painting She decided to wear a daring dress to the party. ideas that are new and daring the artist's daring use of color Noun Skydiving requires both skill and daring. He performs the trick with the daring of a stuntman.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
But what begins as a bold and daring attempt to broach progressive issues in a notoriously conservative society ultimately loses its nerve, acquiescing to a number of eyebrow-raising narrative compromises. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 The fashion-forward actor just stepped out in his most daring red carpet look to date. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
From this year, the program will recognize three winners in each discipline for technical skill and creative daring. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Some of the ways that Tresnjak ups the ante on that daring have diminishing returns. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daring

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1575, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daring was in the 14th century

Rhymes for daring

See All Rhymes for daring

Browse Nearby Words

Darien, Isthmus of
daring
daringly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daring. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

daring

1 of 2 adjective
dar·​ing
ˈda(ə)r-iŋ, 
ˈde(ə)r-
: ready to take risks
daringly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce daring (audio)
adverb

daring

2 of 2 noun
: fearless boldness
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