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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 Starting a left-hander is about getting off to a good start against the dangerous lefties in the Dodgers lineup, beginning with Shohei Ohtani. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds. Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025 In the 19th century, gunshot wounds from up close were extremely dangerous. Brent Lang, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025 But having too few senescent cells is dangerous, because senescence helps block tumors. Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dangerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dangerous
Adjective
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, deploying National Guard troops and water rescue teams in anticipation of hazardous conditions.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While some individuals and groups have called for a slower approach to gender-affirming care for minors, other pediatric gender care experts and advocates have said ending such care can have a harmful effect on patients' mental health and well-being.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Exposure to wildfire smoke, which contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, is unhealthy even for short periods, according to the air district.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The procedure is complicated and could be risky, but Wheeler is not the first MLB player to face TOS.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Infections are more risky in domestic rabbits and should be treated by veterinarians, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Air pollution of all forms can be detrimental to health, but the tiny particles in smoke are particularly pernicious.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Losing Love for any stretch of time would be detrimental to the Packers' season.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 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, 22 Aug. 2025
  • These currents vary in speed and can swiftly become perilous for anyone venturing into the surf.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The scientists also uncovered a damaging feedback loop: excess H₂O₂ depletes astrocytic hemoglobin, weakening the brain's natural antioxidant defenses and accelerating degeneration.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
  • More elaborate approaches might involve steel plates to help absorb the shock of an explosion or keep concrete shards from flying off the walls and damaging equipment or injuring personnel.
    Samuel Granados, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Some serious symptoms of a West Nile virus infection include fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, disorientation or confusion.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Hormonal changes can trigger or worsen mental health conditions, including serious ones like psychosis.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Many models struggle to operate in adverse weather conditions, and drones have weight limits for parcels.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The maintenance of a favorable risk-reward ratio over a shorter timeframe of 5 years is promising for retirement accounts – mitigating the risk of liquidation (if necessary) during adverse drawdown scenarios.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dangerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dangerous. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dangerous

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