as in instability
the quality or state of not being firmly fixed in position
she quickly moved the china teapot after noticing its precariousness on the shelf
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 precariousness
Aside from the frustration that Matheson felt about the earlier diagnosis, the surgeon’s words served as a reminder about the precariousness of professional football.
—
Stuart James, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
There, many of Cale’s pet fascinations, like the precariousness of memory and the lacuna between yourself and other people, opened themselves up with a lovely quietness.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The situation in Venezuela is further complicated by the volatility of the exchange rate, the high prices of goods and basic products, and the precariousness of salaries and bonuses for millions of workers in the public sector, Trak said.
—Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
Trump’s emergency order, along with subsequent federal deployments that have continued in some form even after the formal emergency expired, highlighted the precariousness of local control.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Stuart James, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
There, many of Cale’s pet fascinations, like the precariousness of memory and the lacuna between yourself and other people, opened themselves up with a lovely quietness.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The situation in Venezuela is further complicated by the volatility of the exchange rate, the high prices of goods and basic products, and the precariousness of salaries and bonuses for millions of workers in the public sector, Trak said.
—Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
Trump’s emergency order, along with subsequent federal deployments that have continued in some form even after the formal emergency expired, highlighted the precariousness of local control.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precariousness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precariousness
instability
Noun
-
There’s also a signal for modest instability nearby, particularly along the Gulf Coast.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Company adapts to rising tensions The company has already taken steps to respond to the growing instability.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precariousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precariousness. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
