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

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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

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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
According to Anderson, rain in areas scorched by wildfires can lead to debris runoff and flooding hazards. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026 Primary hazards include rainfall and flash flooding, with stronger thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 14 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
  • The threat of catastrophic flooding won’t ease up until Friday, as storms drop rain at 2 to 4 inches per hour.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Authorities said the inmate had been in custody since April 10, 2024, while awaiting trial on charges of robbery, criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and petty theft.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of threat
Noun
  • There’s the fact that the Red Wings never got much lottery luck — never picking higher than fourth, and certainly not getting the kind of breaks teams like San Jose have gotten in moving up dramatically in the order.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • During their meeting, Baracca’s mother suggested that Ferrari use the prancing horse on his cars as a good-luck symbol.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
Definition of luck
Verb
  • Brimlett-Blankenship was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 July 2026
  • Arredondo is charged with 10 counts of endangering students for allegedly failing to quickly respond to the May 24, 2022, shooting, in which 19 students and two teachers were killed.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of endanger
Verb
  • But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral, and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • Asia’s governments are actively de-risking from the USD, with central banks aggressively expanding their gold reserves.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of risk
Noun
  • But the remote Indigenous community says that on that Monday, July 13, they were told by the Ministry of Natural Resources there was no immediate danger.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Proponents say open-source practices promote innovation, while critics warn that making powerful AI models publicly accessible poses safety and security dangers.
    — Matt O'Brien, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Definition of danger
Noun
  • Residents in Congressional District 24 will get a chance to hear from candidates running to fill the seat of outgoing Congresswoman Frederica Wilson at a forum held in Little Haiti.
    — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Having one copy of the APOE4 variant may double or triple the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, while having two copies may raise risk by tenfold or more.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of chance
Verb
  • The tariffs – whether threatened or implemented – sent shockwaves through the global economy, tested relationships with longstanding allies and pushed a handful of countries to strike trade deals with Washington to limit the damage.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 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

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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 20 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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