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Synonyms

make bold

Idioms  

  1. Also, make so bold as. Dare, presume, take the liberty of doing something, as in Let me make bold and ask you to back me as a member, or I will not make so bold as to criticize a respected scholar. This expression was frequently used by Shakespeare but is heard less often today. [Late 1500s]

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.

President Trump has shown he is willing to make bold strategic moves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Bradley Cooper’s two previous efforts as director — “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro” — had the air of purposeful masterworks, looking to make bold, sweeping statements about life and art.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

The French president likes to make bold, dramatic plays on the international stage.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025

While many people make bold resolutions at the beginning of the year that evaporate before the end of January, this "no-spend" trend feels different, according to industry experts.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2025

In a fit of bluster, he proclaimed, “I make bold to say that every particular allegation in the indictment has been proved.”

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.