1
as in nonchalant
having a relaxed, casual manner
a devil-may-care golfer who knows that it's only a game
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2
as in reckless
having or showing a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions
the devil-may-care speed with which he drives his sports car is going to cause a lot of grief someday
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3
as in carefree
having or showing freedom from worries or troubles
the devil-may-care attitude that some people have about needlessly contributing to global warming
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Recent Examples of devil-may-care
Sure, but this is another bit of evidence on the pile of moments of Kate making judgment calls that can be seen as using the tools at her disposal or as devil-may-care failures to heed guidance from others.
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Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
The movie, based on Chuck Palahniuk’s subversive novel, starred Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter and followed an insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker who form an underground fight club that evolves into much more.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024
Our editors turned to the many muses of the decade — from Winona Ryder’s devil-may-care leather looks to Naomi Campbell’s downtown-meets-uptown girl aura — to create these ’90s fall outfit ideas that feature Coach’s best purses of the season.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 8 Oct. 2024
Winners Shalt Not Take the Lord’s Name in Vain
Emmy winners were only slightly devil-may-care with their language during their acceptance speeches this year, but the ABC censors had their hands right over that button the entire show.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2024
These colognes carry an edgy, devil-may-care attitude, and despite their playful connotations, the fragrance world takes liquor accords seriously.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024
Mitchell’s Hedwig is equal parts glamour and grunge, toeing the line between devil-may-care individuality and crippling self-doubt.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024
The two actors play off each other well enough, contrasting Damon’s caustic deadpan with Affleck’s devil-may-care flippancy.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Aug. 2024
Lehrer’s senior quote speaks to a kind of devil-may-care boyishness.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2024
Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
The movie, based on Chuck Palahniuk’s subversive novel, starred Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter and followed an insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker who form an underground fight club that evolves into much more.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024
Our editors turned to the many muses of the decade — from Winona Ryder’s devil-may-care leather looks to Naomi Campbell’s downtown-meets-uptown girl aura — to create these ’90s fall outfit ideas that feature Coach’s best purses of the season.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 8 Oct. 2024
Winners Shalt Not Take the Lord’s Name in Vain
Emmy winners were only slightly devil-may-care with their language during their acceptance speeches this year, but the ABC censors had their hands right over that button the entire show.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2024
These colognes carry an edgy, devil-may-care attitude, and despite their playful connotations, the fragrance world takes liquor accords seriously.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024
Mitchell’s Hedwig is equal parts glamour and grunge, toeing the line between devil-may-care individuality and crippling self-doubt.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024
The two actors play off each other well enough, contrasting Damon’s caustic deadpan with Affleck’s devil-may-care flippancy.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Aug. 2024
Lehrer’s senior quote speaks to a kind of devil-may-care boyishness.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devil-may-care
Adjective
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Pair it with biker boots and tights to ooze nonchalant cool.Esme Benjamin, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
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But perhaps the more pronounced change in her life since turning 50 is the fact that the fashion designer and former Spice Girl has grown more nonchalant about what the world around her thinks about her.Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Tyrone Rogers, 17, pleaded guilty Monday to armed robbery, attempted armed robbery as a party to a crime, first-degree reckless endangering safety and driving or operating a vehicle without an owner's consent.Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
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Once she is medically cleared she will be booked at Santa Rita Jail on assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, reckless evading of a peace officer, failure to obey a court order and resisting arrest with an enhancement of committing a felony while out on her own recognizance.Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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With Mercury entering Sagittarius on Nov. 2, our mental process shifts from the intense and detective-like mind of Scorpio — which is typically more concerned with uncovering hidden truths — to a more carefree and expansive perspective.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
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There’s a happy middle-ground — even in a political show, even in a political show being released right now — that’s challenging and enjoyable, considered and carefree.Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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As with a tombstone in the mergers-and-acquisitions business, there is an insider lingua franca that casual followers wouldn’t know.Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
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This strap offers a sporty and casual appearance, ensuring maximum comfort during physical activities and contributing to the watch's ultra-lightweight design (total weight with this strap: 49.5 grams).Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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In 1910, a quarter of a million people had spent 10 days swooning over the Los Angeles International Aviation Meet — the nation’s first daredevil airshow.Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
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Planes were first introduced into combat service during World War I, and the pioneering pilots who manned them became masters of the air, deploying daredevil maneuvers to outwit the enemy.Kinsey Gidick, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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French bulldogs, Boston terriers, cavalier King Charles spaniels and other brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds have become incredibly popular due to their unique appearance.Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
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The 29-year-old can occasionally frustrate with his histrionics and cavalier playing style, but last season’s 4-0 defeat away at Crystal Palace was a chastening reminder of what the team can look like without him.Carl Anka, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024
Adjective
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If the exemptions apply solely to income taxes, Social Security and Medicare would remain unaffected.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
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Schneider Electric's products and services remain unaffected.Davey Winder, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Mai appeared in a daring backless dress with a high halter neck.Catherine Santino, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
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The period action film follows Korean independence activists who launch a daring attack against the Japanese occupying forces in Manchuria (modern-day China).Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near devil-may-care
Cite this Entry
“Devil-may-care.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devil-may-care. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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