risk 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

risk

2 of 2

verb

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
Many progressives have come to believe, for example, that data centers present unique risks to local water resources. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026 And for people with an outbreak on their face, there is also a risk of long-term issues such as blindness, facial weakness, and hearing loss. Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 7 May 2026
Verb
Some lawmakers are criticizing the FDA’s new decision as risking public health. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 6 May 2026 Drivers still must keep registration current or risk a $101 fine. Idaho Statesman, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for risk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risk
Noun
  • In the air, innocuous human behavior carries a sense of threat.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • Colorado homeowners were among the least likely in the nation to have purchased supplemental insurance riders (53%), even as wildfires, severe storms, and flooding continue to pose real threats.
    Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Authorities have banned all activities within a 2½-mile danger zone around the crater, in line with recommendations from Indonesia’s volcanology agency.
    Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Jagged pieces of cement push through the dirt as orange and white caution cones warn drivers of danger.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • The royal pair is set to spend time at the nation's capital, including a formal state dinner at the White House and an address to a joint session of Congress, before venturing to other nearby states.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Critics warn that openly discussing armed resistance could endanger protesters, deepen divisions inside the opposition and risk pushing Iran toward civil war.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • Trump has accused Pope Leo XIV of being soft on terrorism and supporting negotiations with Iran, claiming the pontiff endangers Catholics by failing to oppose Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Plus, with carbon pricing now covering 28 percent of global emissions, the industry faces growing exposure to a new layer of fiscal jeopardy, threatening the viability of traditional low-cost production models.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
  • Indiana has staggered statewide elections, so Bray is not up for reelection until 2028, but his leadership position could be in jeopardy with the results of Tuesday's election.
    Caroline Linton, CBS News, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Forecasters say confidence is lower in the exact timing, where storms will be strongest, and which hazards will be most likely.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Clothes Iron and Steamer Many cruise lines have policies forbidding the use of clothes irons and steamers and won’t allow these fire hazards onboard.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jenkinson, who faces two counts, is accused of threatening Andrew on Wednesday and another man on Tuesday.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
  • When time with her feels threatened, even well-meaning offers can land the wrong way.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • And downtown on Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place, once the anchor of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, carries its own laundry list of troubles after years of financial losses and the closure of several major tenants.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Her students have more trouble controlling their bodies and expressing their feelings.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risk. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on risk

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster