Synonyms of risky

risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury

a risky new adventure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dangerous
• hazardous
• perilous
• serious
• unsafe
• precarious
• treacherous
• threatening
• menacing
• unhealthy
• venturesome
• random
• grave
• grievous
• uncertain
• parlous
• jeopardizing
• fatal
• destructive
• detrimental
• harmful
• unpleasant
• bad
• dicey
• insecure
• adverse
• haphazard
• lethal
• sickening
• chance
• deadly
• ugly
• injurious
• distressing
• nasty
• fell
• murderous
• deleterious
• pernicious
• ultrahazardous
• malignant
• hurtful
• wicked
• evil
• killer
• noxious
• inimical
• fateful
• dire
• baneful
• ill
• mortal
• baleful
• deathly
• pestilent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• safe
• harmless
• innocuous
• innocent
• beneficial
• nonthreatening
• nonhazardous
• good
• advantageous
• unthreatening
• ultrasafe

Synonym Chooser

How is the word risky distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of risky are dangerous, hazardous, perilous, and precarious. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

When can dangerous be used instead of risky?

While the synonyms dangerous and risky are close in meaning, 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 risky?

Although the words hazardous and risky have much in common, hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When would perilous be a good substitute for risky?

The words perilous and risky can be used in similar contexts, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

When might precarious be a better fit than risky?

While in some cases nearly identical to risky, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of risky

The recent wave of quantum listings comes at a tumultuous time for global markets, as conflict in the Middle East roils investor confidence, especially in risky, speculative assets like quantum companies. —Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026

Uneven landscaping, wet grass and soft soil from recent rain can all make ladder placement risky. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026

That’s not inherently risky — talc is safe to consume. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Mar. 2026

But in a moment of pure desperation and fear, the Blue Devils didn't hold onto the ball and attempted a risky pass that got deflected. —Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026