hazard 1 of 2

noun

ˈha-zərd How to pronounce hazard (audio)
Definition of hazardnext
1
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm the tumbledown old barn was considered a fire hazard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in luck
the uncertain course of events it was only by hazard and good fortune that we found our way back to the trail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hazard

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to endanger
to place in danger just so the tourists could see the sea lions up close, the captain needlessly hazarded his ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to risk
to take a chance on was unwilling to hazard landing the plane on the small island, which didn't even have an airfield

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 hazard
Noun
Despite heat being the deadliest weather hazard globally, cities underinvest in heat-health preparedness compared to other disasters. — Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 There are big advantages to being close to politicians, and big hazards as well. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
Verb
Clothes Iron and Steamer Many cruise lines have policies forbidding the use of clothes irons and steamers and won’t allow these fire hazards onboard. — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 Beach hazards statements will remain in effect until conditions improve and are expected to be re-evaluated regularly. — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hazard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hazard
  1. threat
  2. luck
  3. endanger
  4. risk
  5. danger
  6. chance
  7. threaten
  8. accident
Noun
  • Being on the fringes of the MVP tier as an annual 100-point pace threat while being paid just $8 million for a long time will have that effect.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of threat
Noun
  • Apple has not had much luck with recent changes to the user interface across its devices.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • On the road leading to the Moroccan town of Fnideq, which borders Ceuta, many migrants were seen walking toward the fence, some barefoot, apparently hoping to try their luck.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of luck
Verb
  • Officials also expressed concern that any attack carried out during a crowded public event could endanger civilians, explaining why additional protective measures will be implemented at public meetings, press conferences and other appearances.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • The driver exited the freeway into Koreatown and continued speeding through surface streets, at times crossing into opposing lanes and endangering morning commuters.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of endanger
Verb
  • The Fed often looks through supply shocks like oil market disruptions, but some analysts feel leaving rates unchanged would risk the Fed’s credibility, given Warsh’s hardline stance against inflation.
    — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Indeed, any ambitious scientist had to be in the good graces of these Big Players or risk financial ostracism and effective banishment from the halls of Big Science.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • One more point cuts against the simple story that more capability means more danger.
    — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to the extreme heat, there is extreme fire danger for the Pacific Northwest, where the wildfire season in Oregon and Washington is already off to a record pace.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of danger
Noun
  • The rabid cheering section continued through the bottom of the ninth when Jo Adell came to the dish with the bases loaded and a tie ballgame with the chance to walk it off.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • This might be their best chance to win in the next few seasons.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of chance
Verb
  • But after structural problems earlier this month threatened a partial collapse at one of the city’s largest such projects, regulators have intensified scrutiny.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Kansas City police are looking to the public for information after investigators say a woman threatened several people in Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood over the weekend.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of threaten
Noun
  • The accident occurred while the plane was conducting a sightseeing flight and preparing to begin its ​return journey, according to police reports to local press.
    — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This is not an accident; Schwarber was forced to alter his routine in late June when an unspecified lower back injury sidelined him for two days.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of accident

Browse Nearby Words

haywire
hazard
hazarded
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Cite this Entry

“Hazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hazard. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hazard

Nglish: Translation of hazard for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hazard

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