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.
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Recent Examples of precarious
The city’s financial situation remains precarious, its crime problems still felt acutely, and its public schools are still struggling to produce acceptable student outcomes.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Meanwhile, many of Montana’s landowners consider the entire discussion flawed, because corner-crossers could upset a precarious balance between agricultural producers and sportsmen.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
But while the budget is technically balanced, its foundation is precarious.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Updates to Cap-and-Invest come at a precarious time for consumers.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for precarious
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Meanwhile, many of Montana’s landowners consider the entire discussion flawed, because corner-crossers could upset a precarious balance between agricultural producers and sportsmen.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
But while the budget is technically balanced, its foundation is precarious.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Updates to Cap-and-Invest come at a precarious time for consumers.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for precarious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious
Adjective
-
Some were left in remote or dangerous conditions, such as deserts, with little access to food and water, or ability to contact family members.—
Cara A. Kinnally,
Time,
15 June 2026
-
This genetic heart condition is very rare and potentially fatal and can cause dangerous irregular rhythms and sudden cardiac arrest.—
Janelle Ash , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Keeping these concerns to myself, I’d started the dark and treacherous walk down a ravine and back uphill to where the stand was perched.—
Kasey Okrzesik,
Outdoor Life,
10 Dec. 2025
-
Blowing snow may make for some treacherous travel conditions in western and southern Minnesota on Tuesday night.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Yaroslavsky has been pitching her park proposal as a less risky alternative to one backed by a coalition of park organizations and several of her colleagues.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
-
In one of them he was seen hanging from the edge of a rocky cliff using his bare hands, his legs dangling toward a steep slope in a risky performance without safety equipment.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Because neurobiological evidence can be seen as especially objective by a jury, even when its application to a specific case is uncertain, judges may be cautious about admitting it.—
Adeline Goss,
New Yorker,
11 June 2026
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Between Richards’ health, Ream’s age and the uncertain roles of McKenzie and Robinson, center back is the USMNT’s most fluid position.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
-
Surf conditions remain hazardous and beachgoers, no matter their ability, should use extreme caution or stay out of the ocean through at least Thursday, June 11, officials said.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precarious. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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