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 That’s when the Nationals turned a precarious lead over to the National League’s worst bullpen. Tim Britton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025 The good fortune so many of us fell into back then, editing or generating arts coverage, is a dream now, a dream of a less precarious era of journalism. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025 The international community faces more pressure to respond as the situation on the ground grows evermore precarious. Robert Birsel tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 These politicians often prioritized their own economic comfort over that of their constituents, and contributed to a precarious post-independence landscape as a direct result. Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precarious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious
Adjective
  • That said, the Revolution had promising spells of attacking play and even looked the more dangerous side in the first half.
    Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
  • In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet for most of the year, they are completely cut off by snow, flooding, and treacherous weather.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The mountain is known for its dangerous climbing conditions, made even more treacherous because of the frequency of intense storms.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The procedure is complicated and could be risky, but Wheeler is not the first MLB player to face TOS.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Although the current price of approximately $23 may appear risky from a valuation standpoint, our analysis indicates that there is little cause for concern.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The path toward peace between the two sides remains uncertain despite U.S. efforts for diplomacy as the U.S. government and its allies attempt to work out potential security guarantees for Ukraine.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Buendia is keen to stay, but his future will remain uncertain until the window shuts on the evening of Monday, September 1.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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, 23 Aug. 2025
  • North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, deploying National Guard troops and water rescue teams in anticipation of hazardous conditions.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Precarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precarious. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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