1
2

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 This, in effect, frames even the movie’s unrelated, apolitical happenings as being at the mercy of this dangerous future, backed by Western powers. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025 The extent to which the tarp roller was unusually dangerous and the extent to which a veteran like Ruf should have been on the lookout would be key topics in pretrial discovery. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 May 2025 Maddison is responsible for dropping deep and pinging passes into dangerous areas, while Kulusevski and Bergvall are excellent ball-carriers. Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 May 2025 With all the drama unfolding at the Harrigan's, you could be forgiven for losing track of Harry's dangerous rescue mission. EW.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dangerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dangerous
Adjective
  • The cities with some of the highest rates of poverty and the most people of color have borne the burden of the state’s hazardous waste facilities.
    Sarah McCoy, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
  • The broad set-up doesn’t look close to hazardous, giddy excess yet.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Located in the stratosphere, the ozone layer acts like sunscreen, blocking potentially harmful ultraviolet energy from reaching our planet's surface.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Customers confirm the quality, softness, and longevity of this pick, made from 100% cotton and Oeko-Tex certified to be free of a range of harmful chemicals.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, with most flights now offering antibacterial wipes and long-haul routes undergoing more extensive cleaning, the routine is arguably not much riskier than applying makeup at home.
    Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • However, bringing a drug to market is not only very expensive with a very lengthy payoff period, the business is also very risky.
    John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The multitrillion-dollar GOP tax bill could have detrimental impacts on decarbonization efforts in the U.S., according to energy experts.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump's economic agenda is having a detrimental impact on workplace mental health, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, the state remains in one of the most perilous parts of the U.S. coastline for rising sea levels.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
  • So Far After the duo were able to make it all the way from Jackson to Seattle without incident, the city itself quickly proves perilous.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • Large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes are threatening states in the Midwest, with cities like Chicago, Minneapolis and Milwaukee in the crosshairs, forecasters said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Some of these storms could become severe, with the greatest risks being damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the Thunderbird pilots flying high had to overcome serious obstacles on the ground.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 24 May 2025
  • Mouse Deals The Razer Viper V2 Pro gaming mouse is a blessing for serious esports players, even more so with a $50 price cut.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mowing too little or too much can have adverse consequences for the health of the lawn and can also encourage unwanted plants to grow.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
  • Additionally, the stock is perpetually vulnerable to adverse effects from unexpected increases in commodity costs or regulatory scrutiny concerning health claims associated with functional beverages.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dangerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dangerous. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dangerous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!