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a dangerous situation
an unsafe situation
a hazardous situation
a risky situation
a scary situation
a serious situation
dangerous precedent
troublesome precedent
perilous precedent
awful precedent
unhealthy precedent
horrible precedent
dangerous levels
unhealthy levels
risky levels
toxic levels
deadly levels
hazardous levels
a dangerous enemy
a powerful enemy
a deadly enemy
a potent enemy
a wicked enemy
a threatening enemy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dangerous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dangerous are hazardous, perilous, precarious, and risky. While all these words 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

When could hazardous be used to replace dangerous?

The meanings of hazardous and dangerous largely overlap; however, hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When can perilous be used instead of dangerous?

The synonyms perilous and dangerous are sometimes interchangeable, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

When might precarious be a better fit than dangerous?

In some situations, the words precarious and dangerous are roughly equivalent. However, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

When is it sensible to use risky instead of dangerous?

The words risky and dangerous can be used in similar contexts, but risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dangerous High dosages of certain popular supplements can cause dangerous side effects and even death. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025 Critics say Trump has only become more dangerous, pursuing radical ideas without restraint. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 July 2025 This led to the state’s adoption of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and many related laws meant to lessen the emissions that contribute to drier, hotter and increasingly dangerous conditions across the world — and to inspire other governments to follow suit. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 Don’t forget the sunscreen Looking toward the rest of that sun protection, a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will often be sufficient to protect your skin from dangerous UV radiation. Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for dangerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dangerous
Adjective
  • By taking on hazardous or monotonous jobs, AEON allows human workers to focus on higher-value activities, helping companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most common and harmful examples is the Social Security Administration phishing scam, which targets unsuspecting individuals with alarming and deceptive messages.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission was created by Congress in 1972 and tasked with shielding consumers from injury or death from defective or harmful products.
    Mike Scarcella, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Much of this inventory is now sitting idle on the market, as buyers steer away from a likely risky investment.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • This represents a highly unorthodox and potentially risky approach to trade.
    Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • These dams have detrimental ecological impacts in an area that is already experiencing a high amount of litter.
    Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
  • In addition to the risks of dehydration and heat illness, exposure to the sun is detrimental to your skin.
    Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
  • The rap scene, then steeped in gangster culture, was perilous.
    Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Texas and the Upper Midwest could continue to see strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail through the weekend.
    Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Be prepared for damaging winds, lightning and possibly large hail.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, those sketches became more serious, taking the form of tattoo designs.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The restaurant was temporarily closed by the city for multiple serious health violations, including a malfunctioning refrigerator and freezer, mold growth and food buildup on kitchen equipment.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Earth’s magnetic field naturally protects living things and Earth-orbiting satellites from most adverse effects of space weather.
    Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
  • Possible issues associated with consuming too much of the spice include allergic reactions (that can range from mild irritation to serious symptoms), stomach pain and potential adverse interactions with medications such as blood thinners.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dangerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dangerous. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dangerous

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