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Definition of audacious

audacious

/ɔːˈdeɪʃəs/
au · da · cious
Adverb:audaciously
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audacious Lexical Profile

audacious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks; fearlessly daring or adventurous.

Example

"The young architect proposed an audacious design that transformed the city's historic waterfront."

2

Showing an impudent lack of respect for social conventions, authority, or decorum; brazenly insolent.

Example

"The committee was stunned by his audacious attempt to take credit for his colleague's research."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for audacious
Antonyms
View all antonyms for audacious

Word Nuance & Usage

"Audacious" carries a dual connotation depending on context: it can express admiration for visionary, fearless boldness (an "audacious plan"), or disapproval for brazen, disrespectful impudence (an "audacious lie").

• Rhymes for audacious

• Nearby Words

auction
auctioneer
auctioneering
audacious
audaciously
audaciousness
audacity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Middle French audacieux or directly from Latin audacia ("daring, boldness"), from audax ("bold"), which derives from the verb audere ("to dare").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Audacious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/audacious
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