Synonyms of risk

risk 1 of 2

noun

ˈrisk 

1

as in threat

something that may cause injury or harm

mountain climbing is a risk, but the thrill and challenge are worth it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• threat
• danger
• hazard
• menace
• peril
• trouble
• imminence
• pitfall
• snare
• trap
• booby trap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protection
• guard
• ward
• shield
• harbor
• safeguard
• shelter
• refuge
• retreat
• asylum
• haven

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• danger
• jeopardy
• trouble
• peril
• distress
• endangerment
• threat
• imperilment
• harm's way
• vulnerability
• exposure
• susceptibility
• liability
• precariousness
• openness
• helplessness
• susceptibleness
• weakness
• defenselessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• safety
• security
• protection
• preservation
• salvation
• defense
• secureness
• safeness
• immunity
• exemption
• impunity
• inviolability
• invulnerability

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• venture
• hazard
• confront
• tempt
• face
• chance
• adventure
• gamble (on)
• dare
• run the risk of
• challenge
• breast
• endanger
• expose
• jeopardize
• brave
• compromise
• subject
• menace
• beard
• imperil
• outbrave
• brazen
• defy
• wager
• bet (on)

2

as in to endanger

to place in danger

we refuse to risk our life savings on this investment scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

• endanger
• threaten
• jeopardize
• hazard
• compromise
• menace
• adventure
• imperil
• peril
• venture
• gamble (with)
• jeopard
• intimidate
• subject
• expose
• chance
• wager

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• guard
• shelter
• save
• preserve
• shield
• resume

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of risk

Noun

Given the risk of punishment or even execution, some contributions are anonymized or voices altered. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

Breast milk and raw milk are not the same—breast milk is uniquely designed for human babies, while raw milk from animals can pose serious health risks. — Parents, 6 Aug. 2026

Verb

Should the state not come through, the school district risks deeper cuts or short-term borrowing. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

The film chronicles the work of Rafael Larraenza, a volunteer rescuer who has spent the last 30 years risking his life searching for migrants lost along the US-Mexico border. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing risk

• at risk
• run the risk of