precarious

Synonym Chooser

How is the word precarious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of precarious are dangerous, hazardous, perilous, and risky. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

Where would dangerous be a reasonable alternative to precarious?

While in some cases nearly identical to precarious, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When is hazardous a more appropriate choice than precarious?

The words hazardous and precarious can be used in similar contexts, but hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When is it sensible to use perilous instead of precarious?

The synonyms perilous and precarious are sometimes interchangeable, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

In what contexts can risky take the place of precarious?

While the synonyms risky and precarious are close in meaning, 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 precarious The arrest warrants have placed ICC member states, especially Israel’s European allies and Canada, in a precarious position. Boyd Van Dijk, Foreign Affairs, 30 Apr. 2025 Early-career researchers face precarious job prospects. Jeffrey MacKeigan, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025 Now a few months into his second term as president, peace talks between the two countries are looking precarious. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 Finding a job is always a challenge, especially in the current precarious economic climate. Iris Dorbian, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precarious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious
Adjective
  • Reading back over her sister’s occasionally gossipy letters, maybe Cassie thought those qualities were just too dangerous to reveal publicly.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The album calls out what Young sees as dangerous overreach by corporate interests into food systems and public health.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For Tesla and other American manufacturers, the path forward is treacherous.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Kang’s character, Lee Kang-su, walks a treacherous line between crime and law enforcement – a balancing act that presented unique acting challenges.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Meshi specializes in risky decision-making, impulsivity, and PSMU; his co-author and MSU colleague Maria Molina researches misinformation and disinformation.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025
  • In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests that larger vehicles are associated with riskier driving behaviors.
    Laurie Winkless, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • With a decline in visitor numbers and travel dollars, and federal aid nowhere in sight, the future remains uncertain for many in the area.
    Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
  • The future remains uncertain and the debate over fairness, inclusion and athlete rights continues.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Heavy trucks still clog roads, and residents worry about toxic dust and soil, and about hazardous waste being dumped into local landfills.
    Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
  • The Air Quality Index near fireworks often reaches the hazardous level which states everyone should avoid all physical activities outdoors.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precarious. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on precarious

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