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 country’s financial situation after the First World War was still precarious.
—
Daniel Thomas Potts, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Set in a secluded Catalonian villa, the irksomely stylish story centers on a rich family living in insulated excess until an outsider disrupts their precarious peace.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026
Aurora is expected to do so next month, and the town of Erie is in a precarious position this week, urging residents to do no irrigation until their summer water flows begin.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
The physical security of the data centers is more precarious, and the conflict is damaging the economic health of the petrostates, thereby jeopardizing a major source of further investment in American AI firms.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precarious
Daniel Thomas Potts, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Set in a secluded Catalonian villa, the irksomely stylish story centers on a rich family living in insulated excess until an outsider disrupts their precarious peace.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026
Aurora is expected to do so next month, and the town of Erie is in a precarious position this week, urging residents to do no irrigation until their summer water flows begin.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
The physical security of the data centers is more precarious, and the conflict is damaging the economic health of the petrostates, thereby jeopardizing a major source of further investment in American AI firms.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precarious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious
Adjective
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The sheriff's office extended condolences to the child's family and loved ones, calling the incident a tragic reminder of how quickly conditions on the water can turn dangerous.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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As multiple cities around Jackson County move to ban types of unregulated and potentially dangerous ‘gas station drugs’ — specifically more potent variations of kratom — Lee’s Summit has not only joined the charge but has taken restrictions even further.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Greece is one of the main entry points into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with many making the short but often treacherous journey from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands in small boats.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
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On the Columbia River and its tributaries, the party had to dig out five new canoes and then paddle them through treacherous rapids.—
Craig Fehrman,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Even if the Bengals prefer to rely on Carter and Knight’s development, risky but not crazy, the lack of pedigree surrounding them is startling.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
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The researchers also cautioned that all-night broadband noise may be especially risky for children, who spend significantly more time in REM sleep.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Traditionally reliant on French institutional funding, the event now confronts an uncertain future as Mali’s military government severs ties with its former colonial overlord.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Security fears If Iran keeps control of the Strait of Hormuz, investors would continue to view the trade chokepoint as dangerous and uncertain.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The advisory warns of snow, sleet, and heavy rain, with conditions likely to make roads slippery and hazardous.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Which is also super hazardous for someone in a massive suit running around [laughs].—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precarious. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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