bold
1 of 2adjective
ˈbōld 
1
a
: fearless before danger : intrepid
bold settlers on some foreign shore
William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth b
: showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit
a bold plan
2
: impudent, presumptuous
punishing a bold child for talking back
If I may be so bold, I'd like to make a few suggestions.
3
obsolete : assured, confident
4
: sheer, steep
bold cliffs
5
: adventurous, free
a bold thinker
6
: standing out prominently
bold headlines
7
: being or set in boldface
bold lettering
boldly
ˈbōl(d)-lē
adverb boldness
ˈbōl(d)-nəs
noun bold
2 of 2noun
: boldface
printed in bold
Synonyms
Adjective
- adventuresome
- adventurous
- audacious
- daring
- dashing
- emboldened
- enterprising
- free-swinging
- gutsy
- hardy
- nerved
- nervy
- venturesome
- venturous
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective Few politicians have been bold enough to oppose the plan to cut taxes. It's a bold plan that might fail. Hiring a novice was a bold move. He punished the bold child for talking back. I'd like to offer a few criticisms, if I may be so bold. She wore a dress with bold stripes. The painting is done in bold colors. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 13 Sep. 2022 Butterfly doors open to reveal a cabin that is as bold as its lightweight carbon-fiber exterior. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2022 This Southern mac and cheese recipe uses all the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2022 Bellflower is best known for its bold flavors, seafood dishes and unexpected cuts of meat. Detroit Free Press, 25 Aug. 2022 Over time, the younger rums take on the big, bold flavors and distinct personalities of the aged rums. John Mariani, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022 Another winner in our Healthy Snack Awards, these keto-friendly cheese and nut mixes pack in 6 to 7 grams of protein per serving and come in bold flavors like garlic herb, tangy ranch and smoky barbeque. Good Housekeeping, 16 Aug. 2022 This salad is all about the crisp crunch of the fennel and celery, and the way these big bold flavors are tamed by the creamy almond dressing. Vogue, 5 Aug. 2022 Dono — the third restaurant from Greco Entertainment Group (GEG) led by chef and partner Brendan Collins — is a celebration of Spain’s bold flavors. Evan Nicole Brown, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 July 2022 Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2022 Bright blue cushions with sunny yellow pillows bring in the bold. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2022 This year's contenders stand out in bold and breathtaking ways, always keeping us guessing — and captivated. People Staff, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 Bonding with bold and self-assured teen Billie won't be easy for Justin, who is a bit of a hot mess. Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 16 June 2022 Built for the bold – MONOLITH 50/50 are the ultimate statement-making performance sunglasses. Mike Steere, Outside Online, 27 May 2022 The feeling stems from their philosophy of life: Fortune favors the bold. Vogue, 23 May 2022 The charming winery offers is known for its bold-tasting Cabernet Sauvignon as well as its wide variety of fruit wines a specialty wines. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 23 May 2022 Retail favors the bold but also the timeless classics. Bobby Marhamat, Forbes, 16 May 2022 See More
Adjective
Top with some nuts for a little bit of crunch or enjoy plain with all the bold flavors that raspberries bring. Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 13 Sep. 2022 Butterfly doors open to reveal a cabin that is as bold as its lightweight carbon-fiber exterior. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2022 This Southern mac and cheese recipe uses all the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2022 Bellflower is best known for its bold flavors, seafood dishes and unexpected cuts of meat. Detroit Free Press, 25 Aug. 2022 Over time, the younger rums take on the big, bold flavors and distinct personalities of the aged rums. John Mariani, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022 Another winner in our Healthy Snack Awards, these keto-friendly cheese and nut mixes pack in 6 to 7 grams of protein per serving and come in bold flavors like garlic herb, tangy ranch and smoky barbeque. Good Housekeeping, 16 Aug. 2022 This salad is all about the crisp crunch of the fennel and celery, and the way these big bold flavors are tamed by the creamy almond dressing. Vogue, 5 Aug. 2022 Dono — the third restaurant from Greco Entertainment Group (GEG) led by chef and partner Brendan Collins — is a celebration of Spain’s bold flavors. Evan Nicole Brown, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 July 2022 Noun
Yet all four artists share a taste for hot oranges and pinks that make their visual chatter bold and scintillating. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2022 Bright blue cushions with sunny yellow pillows bring in the bold. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2022 This year's contenders stand out in bold and breathtaking ways, always keeping us guessing — and captivated. People Staff, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 Bonding with bold and self-assured teen Billie won't be easy for Justin, who is a bit of a hot mess. Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 16 June 2022 Built for the bold – MONOLITH 50/50 are the ultimate statement-making performance sunglasses. Mike Steere, Outside Online, 27 May 2022 The feeling stems from their philosophy of life: Fortune favors the bold. Vogue, 23 May 2022 The charming winery offers is known for its bold-tasting Cabernet Sauvignon as well as its wide variety of fruit wines a specialty wines. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 23 May 2022 Retail favors the bold but also the timeless classics. Bobby Marhamat, Forbes, 16 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
Middle English, from Old English beald; akin to Old High German bald bold
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
circa 1871, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing bold
Kids Definition
bold
adjective
ˈbōld
bolder; boldest
1
: willing to meet danger or take risks : daring
bold knights
2
: not polite and modest : fresh
a bold remark
3
: showing or calling for courage or daring
a bold plan
4
: standing out prominently
She has a face with bold features.
5
: being or set in boldface
Medical Definition
BOLD
abbreviation
blood oxygenation level-dependent; blood oxygen level-dependent
Note: BOLD is used to describe imaging signals and methods that measure changes in the magnetic properties of hemoglobin accompanying changes in blood oxygen levels. BOLD functional magnetic resonance imaging is dependent on oxygen levels and is used especially in the study of brain function to produce images showing blood flow indicative of neural activity.
bold
adjective
1
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks our youngest brother was the boldest one in the family, instantly taking to everything from skiing to skateboarding Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- adventurous
- daring
- courageous
- fearless
- brave
- audacious
- gutsy
- emboldened
- hardy
- venturous
- dashing
- adventuresome
- reckless
- venturesome
- impulsive
- enterprising
- heroic
- nerved
- nervy
- foolish
- gallant
- valiant
- brash
- impetuous
- heroical
- unafraid
- stupid
- foolhardy
- dauntless
- spirited
- imprudent
- undaunted
- free-swinging
- rash
- wild
- silly
- spunky
- intrepid
- madcap
- dumb
- thoughtless
- valorous
- stouthearted
- incautious
- hasty
- swashbuckling
- lionhearted
- overconfident
- hotheaded
- heedless
- daredevil
- gritty
- plucky
- stout
- mad
- absurd
- overbold
- unnecessary
- stalwart
- idiotic
- wacky
- headlong
- crazy
- nutty
- asinine
- precipitate
- insane
- whacky
- unreasonable
- irrational
- lunatic
- moronic
- harebrained
- witless
- scatterbrained
- greathearted
- brainless
- idiotical
- gadarene
- balmy
- half-witted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- timid
- careful
- cautious
- unadventurous
- timorous
- cowardly
- coward
- shy
- wary
- pusillanimous
- prudent
- milky
- craven
- afraid
- fearful
- frightened
- overcautious
- scared
- startled
- heedful
- wise
- sensible
- terrified
- reasonable
- alarmed
- unenterprising
- shocked
- cool
- fainthearted
- sound
- chickenhearted
- rational
- lily-livered
- spooked
- calm
- horrified
- unnerved
- overcareful
- sane
- poltroon
- affrighted
- milk-livered
- upset
- sage
- worried
- levelheaded
- dismayed
- concerned
- appalled
- terrorized
2
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness you're a bold little brat for trying to steal my stuff while I'm right here Synonyms & Similar Words
- wise
- brazen
- audacious
- fresh
- sassy
- brassy
- cheeky
- impudent
- brash
- saucy
- blunt
- defiant
- assertive
- cocky
- insolent
- bold-faced
- cute
- nervy
- brazen-faced
- cocksure
- impertinent
- arch
- smart
- brassbound
- unabashed
- obtrusive
- forward
- disrespectful
- unblushing
- curt
- flippant
- shameless
- bluff
- lippy
- flip
- facetious
- mouthy
- pert
- smart-alecky
- smart-aleck
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- timid
- meek
- humble
- modest
- shy
- demure
- mousy
- retiring
- proper
- courteous
- polite
- respectful
- gentle
- mousey
- mild
- deferential
- genteel
- mannerly
- embarrassed
- inconspicuous
- abashed
- shamefaced
- unobtrusive
- blushing
- ashamed
3
as in prominent
likely to attract attention an interior decorator who likes to use bold colors Synonyms & Similar Words
- prominent
- noticeable
- dramatic
- commanding
- striking
- remarkable
- impressive
- marked
- brilliant
- conspicuous
- emphatic
- showy
- flamboyant
- pronounced
- interesting
- eye-catching
- splashy
- outstanding
- loud
- catchy
- arresting
- visible
- highlighted
- distinguished
- bodacious
- noisy
- notable
- glaring
- noteworthy
- recognizable
- salient
- discernible
- extravagant
- flashy
- ornate
- gaudy
- grabby
- kenspeckle
- spectacular
- fancy
- detectable
- flagrant
- glitzy
- perceptible
- eminent
- fascinating
- garish
- jazzy
- discernable
- ostentatious
- observable
- tawdry
- riveting
- screaming
- opulent
- pretentious
- meretricious
- enthralling
- swanky
- swank
- spotlighted
- glittery
- engrossing
- florid
- absorbing
- overwrought
- overdone
- howling
- hifalutin
- highfalutin
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- subtle
- inconspicuous
- unobtrusive
- unremarkable
- faint
- unemphatic
- hidden
- obscure
- unshowy
- unflamboyant
- simple
- modest
- dim
- subtle
- concealed
- insignificant
- conservative
- unimportant
- plain
- unpretentious
- unassuming
- understated
- shrouded
- unnoticeable
- undistinguished
- unaffected
- subdued
- quiet
- restrained
- muted
- unflashy
- toned-down
4
as in familiar
showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty a bold child who interrupts the adults at his parents' parties Synonyms & Similar Words
- familiar
- arrogant
- proud
- smug
- important
- immodest
- confident
- presumptuous
- forward
- selfish
- overfamiliar
- brazen
- audacious
- sassy
- vain
- brassy
- presuming
- brash
- cheeky
- impudent
- bumptious
- saucy
- free
- cavalier
- vainglorious
- domineering
- haughty
- pompous
- complacent
- cocky
- pretentious
- conceited
- uppity
- sure
- insolent
- prideful
- fresh
- overbold
- egomaniacal
- supercilious
- egotistic
- boastful
- snobbish
- disdainful
- superior
- highfalutin
- egoistic
- bold-faced
- impertinent
- self-assertive
- pert
- overweening
- egotistical
- self-assured
- self-satisfied
- braggart
- self-confident
- imperious
- self-complacent
- self-important
- hifalutin
- high-and-mighty
- egoistical
- brassbound
- self-asserting
- bragging
- self-conceited
- lordly
- hoity-toity
- high-hat
- stuck-up
- high-handed
- self-concerned
- self-engrossed
- self-infatuated
- self-centered
- self-interested
- self-absorbed
- self-obsessed
- self-seeking
- self-involved
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- modest
- unassuming
- humble
- timid
- meek
- unpretentious
- demure
- unassertive
- bashful
- timorous
- shy
- lowly
- mousy
- retiring
- diffident
- down-to-earth
- mousey
- self-doubting
5
as in steep
having an incline approaching the perpendicular the advanced climbers chose a bold cliff to test themselves Synonyms & Similar Words
- steep
- abrupt
- vertical
- sheer
- precipitous
- mountainous
- sloped
- perpendicular
- angled
- craggy
- straight
- plumb
- tilted
- slanted
- hillocky
- scarped
- tipped
- hilly
- listed
- inclined
- heeled
- cocked
- canted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- easy
- gentle
- soft
- moderate
- gradual
- smooth
- flat
- horizontal
- even
- level
- flush
- unruffled
- unwrinkled
- plane
6
as in courageous
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament the bold explorers who will someday journey to other planets Synonyms & Similar Words
- courageous
- brave
- fearless
- valiant
- heroic
- gallant
- heroical
- adventurous
- gutsy
- dauntless
- daring
- foolish
- undaunted
- intrepid
- impulsive
- manful
- valorous
- resolute
- stouthearted
- lionhearted
- stout
- reckless
- determined
- doughty
- stalwart
- gutty
- spirited
- audacious
- hardy
- unflinching
- undauntable
- brazen
- greathearted
- spunky
- undismayed
- undeterred
- plucky
- dashing
- venturous
- game
- gritty
- adventuresome
- brash
- unswerving
- mad
- impetuous
- venturesome
- foolhardy
- imprudent
- emboldened
- unafraid
- rash
- Spartan
- hasty
- madcap
- nutty
- thoughtless
- wild
- overbold
- insane
- mettlesome
- firm
- incautious
- lunatic
- daredevil
- crazy
- overconfident
- gamy
- encouraged
- hotheaded
- heedless
- headlong
- precipitate
- gamey
- comforted
- reassured
- heartened
- half-witted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- yellow
- timid
- fearful
- timorous
- cowardly
- coward
- scary
- pusillanimous
- dastardly
- careful
- cautious
- craven
- diffident
- shy
- unheroic
- gutless
- spineless
- anxious
- fainthearted
- apprehensive
- nervous
- ungallant
- afraid
- spiritless
- mousy
- prudent
- nerveless
- chicken
- mousey
- skittish
- uncourageous
- unadventurous
- frightened
- poor-spirited
- scared
- startled
- upset
- weakhearted
- chickenhearted
- terrified
- lily-livered
- milk-livered
- agitated
- heedful
- poltroon
- unnerved
- weak
- shocked
- panicked
- disturbed
- perturbed
- chicken-livered
- worried
- disconcerted
- spooked
- disquieted
- horrified
- dismayed
- wimpy
- concerned
- appalled
- unmanly
- terrorized
- panic-stricken
- sweet trefoil
- sweet tussock
- sweet vernal grass
- sweet viburnum
- sweet violet
- sweet walnut
- sweet water
- sweet white violet
- sweet william
- sweet william catchfly
- sweet Wilson
- sweet woodruff
- sweet-and-sour
- sweet-corn wilt
- sweet-curd
- sweet-pickle
- sweet-potato beetle
- sweet-potato borer
- sweet-potato flea beetle
- sweet-potato hornworm
- sweet-potato scurf
- sweet-potato sphinx
- sweet-potato weevil
- sweet-potato worm
- sweet-roast