as in dangerous
not safe, strong, or steady
He earned a precarious livelihood by gambling. She was in a state of precarious health. The government is in a precarious position. The strong wind almost knocked him off of his precarious perch on the edge of the cliff.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar 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 precarious
Courtesy José Alberto Gallipoli The rescue mission was precarious.
—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
But like others interviewed by the AJC, this trainee opted not to report his allegations because of his precarious employment status.
—
Emma Hurt,
AJC.com,
25 June 2026
The Athletic has repeatedly detailed Spurs’ precarious cash position, a point only underlined when the club’s 2024-25 accounts were published in March.
—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
Even Hollywood critics of the generative AI economy express sympathy for those working in this precarious field.
—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for precarious
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
But like others interviewed by the AJC, this trainee opted not to report his allegations because of his precarious employment status.
—
Emma Hurt,
AJC.com,
25 June 2026
The Athletic has repeatedly detailed Spurs’ precarious cash position, a point only underlined when the club’s 2024-25 accounts were published in March.
—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
Even Hollywood critics of the generative AI economy express sympathy for those working in this precarious field.
—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for precarious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious
Adjective
-
Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
-
Sometimes, the streets appear glittering; other times, seedy and dangerous.
Adjective
-
After death, the garden becomes more treacherous.
-
For 250 years, between 1565 and 1815, the famous galleon fleet left the port of Manila for the port of Acapulco and back, traveling for months over the treacherous ocean while carrying a lucrative flow of foods, silver, fabrics and culinary traditions.
Adjective
-
Achraf Hakimi looked to have another opportunity to take an open shot on goal in the 54th minute, until Dutch defender Micky van de Ven chased him down and made a risky tackle in the goal box.
-
The groups that brought the lawsuit said the rule would require students to forgo their studies or take out riskier private loans.
Adjective
-
For now, advocates say preparation and persistence are critical as the community faces an uncertain future.
-
The bold story choice, which reunites the staff for what may be their final kitchen service as the restaurant faces an uncertain future, was met with enthusiasm from the cast.
Adjective
-
Concrete casing and tubing – used to seal and extract oil – can lose integrity, causing leaks and potential hazardous gas releases.
-
Concerns about hazardous chemicals led police to suggest residents evacuate, although many declined.
Cite this Entry
“Precarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precarious. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
