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
The crash could reveal new information about what happens in the immediate aftermath of an impact on the lunar surface and offer insights into the hazards of errant space junk to the moon. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 July 2026 Long wool fibers can potentially pose a tangle hazard for small bird feet, so long strands of wool should be cut into 2 to 3-inch long sections to reduce tangle risks. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 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
  • Prosecutors have also had luck securing convictions by working with the Department of Justice to file federal charges for distributing fentanyl that later results in death.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
  • Aslanoglou, who was born and trained in Greece, is hoping for better luck.
    — Connie Ogle July 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 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
  • Without a framework to continuously evaluate priorities, companies risk scaling activity instead of value.
    — Antoine Villata, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Use a soaker hose or watering can to direct moisture to the roots without risking wet foliage and fungal diseases.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 July 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • The alerts were lifted shortly after and the authorities did not specify the nature or source of the potential danger.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Trump seems aware of the danger, yet can't help himself from hurtling toward it.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 July 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
  • Ironically, as the office-to-residential boom has consumed millions of square feet of space, the office vacancy rate has declined and leasing has picked up, threatening converters’ ability to acquire properties at rock-bottom prices.
    — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
  • Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has previously threatened to build his own nuclear weapons should Iran acquire the bomb.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of threaten
Noun
  • Berry died in 2004 following years of health issues stemming from the car accident.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • Hollander said that if a driverless Waymo causes an accident, legal approaches may shift away from driver negligence.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 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 27 Jul. 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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