risk 1 of 2

noun

ˈrisk How to pronounce risk (audio)
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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2
as in to endanger
to place in danger we refuse to risk our life savings on this investment scheme

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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
Noun
Across Wall Street, one of the first orders of an analyst’s day is to check the performance of longer-term Treasuries and the yields on them, which indicate investors’ perceptions of risk. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 July 2026 According to University of Maryland Medical System reporting, roughly 70% of women do not disclose their supplement use to healthcare providers, which raises the risk of ingredient overlap and drug interactions as routines grow more complex. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Verb
On a busier record, one more concerned with forward momentum, that idea would risk getting lost. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026 Anyone in the United States has the constitutional right to protest something as politically important as this crime against humanity without risking the loss of their livelihood. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for risk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risk
  1. threat
  2. danger
  3. venture
  4. endanger
  5. jeopardy
  6. hazard
  7. threaten
  8. trouble
Noun
  • Being on the fringes of the MVP tier as an annual 100-point pace threat while being paid just $8 million for a long time will have that effect.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of threat
Noun
  • But the remote Indigenous community says that on that Monday, July 13, they were told by the Ministry of Natural Resources there was no immediate danger.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Proponents say open-source practices promote innovation, while critics warn that making powerful AI models publicly accessible poses safety and security dangers.
    — Matt O'Brien, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Definition of danger
Verb
  • Nonetheless, tax planning for those who venture into this second citizenship domain is essential.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • There are plenty of smartwatch brands on the market, but one that often runs under the radar is Garmin, which made its name in GPS before venturing into wearables.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026
Definition of venture
Verb
  • Officials also expressed concern that any attack carried out during a crowded public event could endanger civilians, explaining why additional protective measures will be implemented at public meetings, press conferences and other appearances.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • The driver exited the freeway into Koreatown and continued speeding through surface streets, at times crossing into opposing lanes and endangering morning commuters.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of endanger
Noun
  • Revealing basic information such as where, when and under what general circumstances a fatality occurred is not the kind of information that places a utility in legal jeopardy.
    — Eric Adler July 18, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • The determinations are critical, considering billions of dollars in the form of a rocket launch to Jupiter is now facing serious jeopardy.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Definition of jeopardy
Verb
  • That hazards statement originally had been in place through early Wednesday morning.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of hazard
Verb
  • The tariffs – whether threatened or implemented – sent shockwaves through the global economy, tested relationships with longstanding allies and pushed a handful of countries to strike trade deals with Washington to limit the damage.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of threaten
Noun
  • Excellent job, acknowledges both her physical transformation and that her mouth can get her into more trouble than mine does at the underwear party in Fire Island.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • Rodriguez first noticed his symptoms on the court, experiencing bad headaches, trouble with balance and motor skills.
    — Mary Ella Hastings Updated July 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Definition of trouble

Phrases Containing risk

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rising (to)
risk
risked
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Cite this Entry

“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risk. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on risk

Nglish: Translation of risk for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about risk

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