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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
2
as in to endanger
to place in danger
we refuse to risk our life savings on this investment scheme
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 risk
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Dashlane’s initial notification left out key details of the attack and led to considerable confusion about the ongoing risk users faced.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
And the organization moved quickly, with Tuesday’s raise, to preserve Surtain as a pillar in Denver — or risk future discomfort around one of the most team-friendly long-term contracts in the NFL.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for risk
Noun
The National Weather Service has issued alerts since May 29 about elevated wildfire risk in Central and Northern Lower Michigan.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Dashlane’s initial notification left out key details of the attack and led to considerable confusion about the ongoing risk users faced.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
Verb
If the answer is no, opt to hand-wash the garment rather than risk it.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
And the organization moved quickly, with Tuesday’s raise, to preserve Surtain as a pillar in Denver — or risk future discomfort around one of the most team-friendly long-term contracts in the NFL.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for risk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risk
Noun
-
Walter Urbon then flew out to right to end the threat.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
At its height nearly 20 years ago, India’s leader described the Maoists as the country’s biggest internal security threat, a blight on its status as the world’s largest democracy and its aspirations of becoming a global power.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
As Rose grapples with the gaps in her memory, the two encounter danger and violence.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Elevated fire danger in northern Michigan has prompted the Department of Natural Resources to urge anyone in the area to be careful while engaging in activities outside.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Be sure to venture further afield to make the most of your time in this sprawling and diverse city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
These currents vary in speed and can swiftly become perilous for anyone venturing into the surf.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Like with Saenz, the no-contact order hinged on the evaluation of a psychologist, who testified that Michelle was angry and paranoid and might endanger their son in her pursuit of revenge against his father, according to court filings.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
-
Clendenning said releasing Zeinab from custody would pose an unacceptable risk of endangering the safety and welfare of the public.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
That may deter some investors, particularly American owners, whose professional sports leagues do not feature the jeopardy of relegation.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
The health inspector also noted the establishment is in jeopardy of citations due to consistent violation markings.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Few would hazard a guess at what the world of technology will look like when VivaTech celebrates its 20th birthday.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Point Loma threatened to tie the game in the sixth and probably would have done so if not for the defensive play of the game.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
Higher education institutions have been staring down a looming demographic reality that threatens not only their financial well-being but the nation’s workforce at large.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
This is also one of the reasons why chronically high cortisol is associated with anxiety, irritability and trouble focusing.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
-
The trouble was Genesis’s EV-centric plan fizzled out as sales stalled, while Europeans stayed wedded to the German monopoly.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risk. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
