audacious
Shockingly lacking shame
Audacious describes bold willingness to take risks or defy convention.
An audacious plan might seem reckless to cautious minds: an audacious heist, an audacious debut novel.
The word can carry admiration for daring or disapproval of presumption, depending on context.
She made the audacious decision to quit her job and sail around the world.
Sure of oneself
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
- brazenShamelessly bold
- courageousShowing bravery under threat
- fearlessLacking any apprehension
daring · brash · gutsy · plucky · spunky · forthright · unabashed · unapologetic
Courageously determined
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
- gallantCourageously attentive and refined
- intrepidResolutely without fear
- dauntlessUnable to intimidate
lionhearted · stouthearted · unflinching · resolute · steadfast · indomitable · courageous · fearless
Disrespectfully bold
- sassyBoldly irreverent in manner
- saucyBoldly disrespectful, often playfully
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
- insolentBoldly rude and disrespectful
pert · irreverent · flippant · cocky · smart-alecky · fresh · brash · lippy
Causing public dispute
- shockingCausing intense surprise
- outrageousShockingly bad or excessive
- scandalousMorally offensive or shocking
- transgressiveViolating accepted boundaries
edgy · incendiary · inflammatory · taboo · risque · confrontational · defiant · rebellious
Introducing radical new ideas
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- revolutionarySeeking fundamental systemic change
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- trailblazingBeing the first through
original · unconventional · inventive · bold · radical · daring · avant-garde · experimental
Recklessly bold
- rashHeedless or skin irritation
- impetuousActing on sudden urge
- impulsiveActing without deliberation
- heedlessCareless of consequences
devil-may-care · wild · careless · harebrained · madcap · daredevil · incautious · overconfident
confident
Sure of oneself
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
- brazenShamelessly bold
- courageousShowing bravery under threat
fearless · daring · brash · gutsy · plucky · spunky · forthright · unabashed · unapologetic · nervy
valiant
Courageously determined
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
- gallantCourageously attentive and refined
- intrepidResolutely without fear
dauntless · lionhearted · stouthearted · unflinching · resolute · steadfast · indomitable · courageous · fearless · undaunted
impudent
Disrespectfully bold
- sassyBoldly irreverent in manner
- saucyBoldly disrespectful, often playfully
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
insolent · pert · irreverent · flippant · cocky · smart-alecky · fresh · brash · lippy · mouthy
controversial
Causing public dispute
- shockingCausing intense surprise
- outrageousShockingly bad or excessive
- scandalousMorally offensive or shocking
transgressive · edgy · incendiary · inflammatory · taboo · risque · confrontational · defiant · rebellious · subversive
groundbreaking
Introducing radical new ideas
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- revolutionarySeeking fundamental systemic change
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
trailblazing · original · unconventional · inventive · bold · radical · daring · avant-garde · experimental · boundary-pushing
foolhardy
Recklessly bold
heedless · devil-may-care · wild · careless · harebrained · madcap · daredevil · incautious · overconfident · imprudent
- ambitionaspire, ambition, aspiration, goal, strive
- boldbold, brave, daring, fearless, courageous
- shamelessshameless, brazen, unabashed, barefaced, unapologetic
- tough traitstough, resilient, fearless, brave, courageous
- legendarylegendary, mythic, iconic, heroic, immortal
- couragebravery, resilience, fearlessness, boldness, courage
audacioustimid
Lacking courage or confidence
cowardly · fearful · cautious · timorous · fainthearted
audaciousdemure
Modestly reserved in manner
modest · respectful · deferential · polite · proper
audaciouscautious
Careful to avoid risk
conservative · conventional · safe · modest · prudent