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

Analysts warn that beyond crowded positioning and technical pullbacks, fundamental risks within the AI supply chain may also be emerging. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

States alleged that Meta’s internal research documented links between Instagram use and harms including depression, anxiety and body-image concerns among young people, while the company publicly minimized or concealed those risks. — Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Verb

Urgent repair projects will be delayed, construction costs will multiply, and the visitor experience will inevitably decline as facilities fall into disrepair, risking the safety of millions of tourists and residents alike. — Lulu Vilas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

This decision risks a reduction in the price dairy farmers receive for their cull cows and higher profits for foreign beef exporters, all for a potentially nominal decrease in the retail ground beef price. — Esme Murphy, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing risk

• at risk
• run the risk of