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risk 1 of 2

noun

ˈrisk How to pronounce risk (audio)
Definition of risknext
1
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm mountain climbing is a risk, but the thrill and challenge are worth it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in danger
the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil children living in poverty are considered at risk for a number of medical and developmental problems

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risk

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to venture
to take a chance on Colette didn't want to risk running out of food for her party, so she bought twice what she thought she would actually need

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2
as in to endanger
to place in danger we refuse to risk our life savings on this investment scheme

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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 risk
Noun
None of the eight simulations were impervious to the threats, and even when agents detected a risk, the detection didn’t translate into the agents trying to contain the threat. — Jake Angelo, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026 As for the symptom-free, a study led by Mass General Brigham researchers found older adults with very high p-tau217 levels had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment within five years, and a higher risk over 10 years. — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
That speech praised those who risk failure in public as opposed to those who only criticize, according to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026 The implementation of the BRICS Global Value Chain (GVC) Action Plan 2026–2030 can help the industry by de-risking supply chain volatility and expanding market access for small manufacturers, especially through streamlined cross-border invoicing. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for risk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risk
  1. threat
  2. danger
  3. venture
  4. endanger
  5. jeopardy
  6. hazard
  7. threaten
  8. trouble
Noun
  • This isn’t really about an existential threat coming for the status quo of professional golf anymore.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Still, the threats have increased for the islands of Niihau and Kauai because the storm's forecast track has shifted steadily eastward, the National Hurricane Center said.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of threat
Noun
  • The mudslide hit part of a village in Suichuan County in Jiangxi province in the early hours, prompting rescuers to rush to the scene and relocate residents to safer ground to prevent further danger, authorities said in a statement.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Anderson portrays a young woman caught between danger and redemption under Joe’s guidance.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of danger
Verb
  • Known as Dick Capen to friends and foes, the publisher ventured out of his secure glass-cage office that was tucked out of sight in the Herald’s former Biscayne Bay-front headquarters.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Sex in Japan is about a husband and wife who venture into the world of swinging.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Similarly, a citizen who violates technology export or import regulations could be banned from leaving if the action endangers industrial or technological security, the regulation says.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities could prevent Chinese citizens from leaving if their departure violates export control rules in a way that could endanger national industrial or technological security.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of endanger
Noun
  • Furthermore, if a movie (any movie) isn’t doing $3,000-$4,000 a screen in a weekend, that screen is in serious jeopardy.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
  • And when scores of families fall off SNAP, universal free meal programs at tens of thousands of schools fall into jeopardy.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of jeopardy
Verb
  • Scholars hazarded theories as to how an unschooled middle-aged Black woman from the South could brush with genius.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
  • That hazards statement originally had been in place through early Wednesday morning.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Definition of hazard
Verb
  • Insurance remains an essential tool for protecting against losses that could threaten liquidity, earnings or operations.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The fighting threatens to reignite a war that for more than a decade brought disaster to Yemen, killing more than 150,000 people and driving the country to the brink of famine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of threaten
Noun
  • Smith-Shawver cruised through his first two innings Monday before running into trouble in the sixth, giving up a two-run home run to Pete Crow-Armstrong, an NL MVP candidate.
    — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • This year, his boss waged a military war with Iran that continues to exacerbate America’s cost-of-living troubles and rattle the bond market.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of trouble

Phrases Containing risk

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rising (to)
risk
risked
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Cite this Entry

“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risk. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on risk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about risk

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