Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

intrepid

American  
[in-trep-id] / ɪnˈtrɛp ɪd /

adjective

  1. resolutely fearless; dauntless.

    an intrepid explorer.

    Synonyms:
    bold, courageous, brave
    Antonyms:
    timid

intrepid British  
/ ɪnˈtrɛpɪd /

adjective

  1. fearless; daring; bold

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • intrepidity noun
  • intrepidly adverb
  • intrepidness noun

Etymology

Origin of intrepid

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Latin intrepidus, equivalent to in- in- 3 + trepidus “anxious”; trepidation

Explanation

Intrepid is just a fancy word for describing a person or action that is bold and brave. Super heroes are intrepid in their struggle for truth and justice. Some synonyms are fearless, courageous, dauntless, or valiant, but the word intrepid suggests a lack of fear in dealing with something new or unknown. This adjective comes from Latin intrepidus, formed from the prefix in-, "not" and trepidus, "alarmed."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing intrepid

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On this year's show five intrepid teams embark on the journey through eight countries - Italy, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and finally Mongolia.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Mr. Hazzard also profiles the company’s intrepid misfits who would make the daring trip.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Phil 2026-27 season, announced Tuesday, appears as intrepid as ever.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

"Most people have this image of an intrepid explorer braving an isolated mountain or some other remote place, and stumbling across a creature that no one has ever seen before," Chan said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

Dr. Montague’s intentions with regard to Hill House derived from the methods of the intrepid nineteenth-century ghost hunters; he was going to go and live in Hill House and see what happened there.

From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson