risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms of risky

• dangerous
• hazardous
• perilous
• serious

Choose the Right Synonym for risky

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury.

dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

The only exception is if a recipe specifically calls for boiling it first to kill off bacteria, and this can still be risky for vulnerable guests. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026

One study found that valve replacement surgery was less risky for patients when it was performed in the afternoon, for example. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026

Back in 2000, more than 58% of high school seniors said that regular cannabis use was risky. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026

Because of Wells' previous open-heart surgery and scar tissue, doing a second open-heart surgery to replace the tricuspid valve was considered too risky, Castillo Kontak said. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Rhymes for risky

• frisky
• whiskey
• whisky

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous