Synonym Chooser

How is the word hazardous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hazardous are dangerous, perilous, precarious, and risky. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When is dangerous a more appropriate choice than hazardous?

In some situations, the words dangerous and hazardous are roughly equivalent. However, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When could perilous be used to replace hazardous?

Although the words perilous and hazardous have much in common, perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

In what contexts can precarious take the place of hazardous?

While the synonyms precarious and hazardous are close in meaning, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

Where would risky be a reasonable alternative to hazardous?

While in some cases nearly identical to hazardous, 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 hazardous Iranian authorities said there was no leak of hazardous materials, according to the country's state media. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 21 June 2025 Iranian officials said there was no leakage of hazardous materials as a result of the attacks. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025 But Israel's latest strikes will stoke fears about the leak of hazardous materials and other consequences. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025 Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hazardous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hazardous
Adjective
  • After landing, the most dangerous times, statistically speaking, are takeoff, approach, and initial climb.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
  • And the Santa Barbara temblor revealed just how dangerous brick buildings built in that era could be.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
  • The rap scene, then steeped in gangster culture, was perilous.
    Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Howe may have a change of approach in mind, but such a hefty outlay on a player who doesn’t solve an obvious tactical conundrum is risky at the very least.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • After multiple years of development invested in most of Booth’s draftees, that type of deal would also be risky in its own right.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • An electric motorcycle bearing a Honda badge is bound to attract serious attention – and lately, the rumor mill has been buzzing.
    Utkarsh Sood June 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The officials said its investigation found that a quarter of Jewish students felt physically unsafe on the Ivy League campus, and Jewish and Israeli students were assaulted and spit on.
    June 30, CBS News, 30 June 2025
  • The administration claimed that Harvard failed to act despite being aware that Jewish and Israeli students felt unsafe on campus.
    Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hazardous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hazardous. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hazardous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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