risk
noun
\
Definition of risk
(Entry 1 of 2)
risk
verbDefinition of risk (Entry 2 of 2)
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from risk
Noun
\
adjective
Verb
Synonyms for risk
Synonyms: Noun
danger, hazard, imminence, menace, peril, pitfall, threat, trouble
Synonyms: Verb
adventure, chance, gamble (on), hazard, tempt, venture
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of risk in a Sentence
Noun
I prefer not to expose my money to too much risk. The degree of risk is minimal. All investments have an element of risk. The trip didn't seem like much of a risk. I'm aware of the risks associated with this treatment. There is a risk of liver damage with this medication. Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in a car accident. We feel that this product presents a significant risk to public health. To me, skydiving is not worth the risk. Smoking is a risk to your lungs.Verb
She risked her life to save her children. He risked all his money on starting his own business. He risked breaking his neck. She's risking being considered too sentimental. The country risked a war. brave people who risked being killed to help others I'm not willing to risk getting lost. I'm going to buy a map. The company is risking the loss of millions of dollars. It's not wise to risk traveling so soon after surgery.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Nationwide, teens’ perceptions of marijuana’s risk have declined since 1991, the cannabis commission report said, however studies suggest those decreases aren’t linked to medical marijuana becoming legal. — BostonGlobe.com, "Fewer Massachusetts high school students used marijuana over the decade before the state’s first cannabis stores opened last year, according to a new report.," 17 Sep. 2019 President Donald Trump said last week that his administration plans to ban non-tobacco-flavored vaping products amid concern about health risks and the increasing use among teenagers. — Paige Cornwell, The Seattle Times, "Washington health officials declare statewide outbreak in vaping-related illness," 17 Sep. 2019 Radiologists warned of the risks of wearing magnetic eyelashes in MRI machines. — Rafil Kroll-zaidi, Harper's magazine, "Findings," 16 Sep. 2019 While infection is rare, people should be aware of the low-level risk while swimming in fresh water lakes, rivers, and hot springs. — Brian Pascus, CBS News, "10-year-old Texas girl dies from brain-eating amoeba after swimming in the Brazos River," 16 Sep. 2019 Rodriguez is on that much of a roll to take this kind of risk even on the road. — Chris Wassel, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, "Boston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies odds, picks and betting tips," 14 Sep. 2019 Perspectives of other parents also provide a convincing narrative to understand the risks and benefits of vaccination. — Robert Mckeever, The Conversation, "Anti-vaccination mothers have outsized voice on social media; pro-vaccination parents could make a difference," 13 Sep. 2019 Could a two-wheeled revolution be the antidote to our increasingly sedentary, tech-driven, risk-averse indoor lifestyle? — Katie Arnold, Outside Online, "A New Film Heralds the Coming Cargo-Bike Revolution," 12 Sep. 2019 But beware, Kourtney, no medical procedure is totally risk-free. — Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, "Kourtney Kardashian Underwent Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment to Fix a Bald Spot—but What Does That Mean?," 10 Sep. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Investors would flee at the first sign of any military boots hitting the streets, something Beijing can't risk as the domestic economy slows. — Ben Westcott, CNN, "The date which has both Hong Kong and Beijing on edge," 14 Sep. 2019 Security experts have long assumed that iPhone hacks primarily target very specific, high-value victims, because iOS vulnerabilities that can provide such deep system access to attackers are too rare and prized to risk revealing in mass campaigns. — Wired, "Apple Finally Breaks Its Silence on iOS Hacking Campaign," 6 Sep. 2019 Don’t risk your money convinced that oddsmakers are undervaluing Auburn in this spot. — Christopher Smith, al, "Don’t assume Auburn -18 against Tulane is easy money," 3 Sep. 2019 That's just Apple's way of encouraging people not to risk faulty third-party service—which right to repair advocates have a thing or two to say about. — David Nield, WIRED, "How To Get the Most Out of Your Smartphone Battery," 25 Aug. 2019 In its quest to fix the crisis, however, Georgia-Pacific stopped short of one thing: slowing down production and risking profits. — Christopher Leonard, ProPublica, "Rising Profits, Rising Injuries: The Safety Crisis at Koch Industries’ Georgia-Pacific," 8 Aug. 2019 It was surprisingly ended by Jess of all people, who scolded the mothers for risking ruining the legacy left behind by JoJo and her fellow team mates. — Laura Hanrahan, Woman's Day, "Watch 'Dance Moms' Stars Elliana Walmsley and Lilly Ketchman Recreate Jojo Siwa’s Solos," 27 July 2019 Why are so many adults willing to risk the Wall to transport kids out of Gilead? — Elena Nicolaou, refinery29.com, "The Handmaid's Tale," 25 July 2019 Major European firms will not risk American sanctions to do business in Iran. — The Economist, "A British warship stops Iran seizing an oil tanker," 11 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'risk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for risk
risk
noun
English Language Learners Definition of risk
(Entry 1 of 2)
risk
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of risk (Entry 2 of 2)
See the full definition for risk in the English Language Learners Dictionary
risk
noun
\
Kids Definition of risk
(Entry 1 of 2)
risk
verbKids Definition of risk (Entry 2 of 2)
risk
noun
\
Medical Definition of risk
Keep scrolling for more
risk
nounLegal Definition of risk
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on risk
What made you want to look up risk? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Word Puzzles
-
- Which answer pairs best with each of the following words? living, estate, club, music, road, mile
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
-
Word Puzzles
Challenge yourself with these word puzzles. Can you solve them all?
Take the quiz -
Where in the World? A Quiz
Do you know what languages these words come from?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share risk
Resources for risk