dare
8 synonyms and 5 antonyms for dare, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To have the courage or nerve to do something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To have the courage or nerve to do something.
“She didn't dare tell her boss the truth.”
Opposites
2. noun
A challenge to do something that requires courage.
“Nobody believed she would jump in the cold lake, but she took the dare.”
How to use dare
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dare to say
take a dare
dare someone to do something
Etymology
From Old English durran ("to dare"), a very old Germanic verb related to the idea of being bold enough to face something.
Full origin of dare →Frequently asked questions
What does “dare” mean?
The word “dare” means to have the courage or nerve to do something. In plain terms, having the nerve to do something, or challenging someone else to.
How do you pronounce “dare”?
“Dare” is pronounced deh-uh (/dɛ(ə)ɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dare” in a sentence?
Here is “dare” used in a sentence: “She didn't dare tell her boss the truth.”
What part of speech is “dare”?
Depending on how it is used, “dare” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “dare” come from?
The word “dare” comes from Old English. From Old English durran ("to dare"), a very old Germanic verb related to the idea of being bold enough to face something.
Is “dare” a common word?
“Dare” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “dare” have?
“Dare” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to have the courage or nerve to do something.
What is the difference between 'dare' and 'challenge'?
To 'dare' someone specifically means to challenge them to do something risky as a test of their courage, as in 'I dare you to jump.' A 'challenge' is broader and can invite someone to compete or attempt any difficult task, not only one that proves bravery.
Is 'dare' followed by 'to' or a bare infinitive?
'Dare' can be followed either by a full infinitive with 'to' or by a bare infinitive, and both are correct. You say 'I dare you to try it' with 'to,' but in the fixed phrase 'How dare you speak to me like that,' the bare infinitive is used without 'to.'
Can 'dare' be used as a modal verb?
Yes, 'dare' can act as a modal verb, especially in questions and negatives, as in 'I dare not ask' or 'How dare he.' In these uses it does not take 'to' and does not add an '-s' in the third person.
