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

Crucially though, officials in Abu Dhabi needed enough ships to make the risky transit — not just once, but over and over. — Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Nonetheless, killing such huge creatures was exceptionally risky—and not just for the oarsmen and harpooners in the boats. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Now corporate America is more likely to stay silent on anything deemed risky—even, in some cases, celebrating our nation’s founding. — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

Some users criticized the interaction while others pointed to the immediate reaction from security as a sign of how risky the moment could have been. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 3 July 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