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
Ben Blanquera, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
So an understanding of diversification, risk and how this type of investment should fit into a portfolio should be required knowledge, experts say.
—Stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 22 Aug. 2025
First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for risk
Noun
To minimize operational risk, support data privacy standards and conform with residency regulations, agent access should also be restricted only to those data sets and systems needed to execute its specific task, which can prevent unauthorized or irreversible changes without oversight.
—Ben Blanquera, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
So an understanding of diversification, risk and how this type of investment should fit into a portfolio should be required knowledge, experts say.
—Stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
If the Soviet Union attacked West Berlin, would the U.S. really fight back, risking escalation to nuclear war?
—Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 22 Aug. 2025
First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for risk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risk
Noun
-
Many of those leaders have pushed back strongly against Trump’s threats to federalize their law enforcement.—
Time,
Time,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Beyond that, Erin may be pushed into a turn to the north — but where and when that happens will determine its threat to Florida or other parts of the eastern seaboard.—
David Schutz,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The real danger is the undermining of one of the last great advantages the United States had over many of its competitors: policy stability.—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Federal scientists say climate change is causing the glacier to melt faster, along with altering rainfall patterns, exacerbating the danger.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
If Washington streets and public places are unkempt and unsafe, who will venture to go there?—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Aug. 2025
-
In some of the deaths, overconfident tourists have ventured off-trail, or gotten lost in steep, technical terrain, without proper experience or equipment.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside Online,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The wood stork was once endangered with only 5,000 nesting pairs in the United States in the 1970s, but as of 2023 that had grown to more than 11,000 nesting pairs, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Filed in 2023, the lawsuit comes from a group of Tennessee women who say their lives were endangered after they were denied emergency abortions under the state’s ban.—
Kelly Puente,
Nashville Tennessean,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Seven universities have been explicitly notified that their funding is in serious jeopardy or have already faced punitive cuts, according to The New York Times, which reported that Harvard University faces approximately $9 billion at stake and has received a list of federal demands.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
-
One immediate jeopardy incident did result in a punishment, but only because the hospital was in California, which allows its health department to issue penalties.—
Kff Health News,
Oc Register,
17 July 2025
Verb
-
Coming five years after similar fall hazards fines for The Salvation Army of Mercer County in Princeton, West Virginia, OSHA proposed hitting The Salvation Army with an $82,750 fine for a Repeat-Serious violation.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
9 June 2025
-
He is charged with conspiracy, attacking civilians, murder in violation of the law or war, terrorism, hijacking or hazarding a vessel or aircraft and intentionally causing serious bodily injury.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
Fox News,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Over the past year, small-scale protests have occasionally taken place outside Villa Park and fans have threatened to hold walkouts during games.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Meera also noted how the Trump Administration’s rhetoric toward the District’s homeless population ties into the law enforcement influx, as the Administration has threatened fines or jail time for homeless individuals who refuse shelter or treatment.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Those unemployed in a rough job market may find more trouble in their love life.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
That same year, Knox was in legal trouble again after the acquittal was reversed by the courts, reinstating the initial verdict and sentencing Knox to 28½ years in prison.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risk. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share