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

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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
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Mitchell Michalak, an epidemiologist with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, said ER visits here for injuries related to e-bike and e-scooter accidents jumped 273% from 2022 to 2025.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
  • Another American frontier model refused to help defend it, on principle, not by accident.
    — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 25 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 2 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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