Synonym Chooser

How is the word risky distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of risky are dangerous, hazardous, perilous, and precarious. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

When can dangerous be used instead of risky?

While the synonyms dangerous and risky are close in meaning, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When could hazardous be used to replace risky?

Although the words hazardous and risky have much in common, hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When would perilous be a good substitute for risky?

The words perilous and risky can be used in similar contexts, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

When might precarious be a better fit than risky?

While in some cases nearly identical to risky, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

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 risky Still, sending B-52s on such a mission would undoubtedly have proven much more risky than using the low-observable B-2s. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 This is a man in the final quarter of his life, opening up the drawer of songs too painful, too weird, or too risky to release. arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025 Some steps are automated, such as cutting paper and rolling it into shells or stacking tubes to form casings, but others, such as loading powder into the tubes, have to be done by hand because the work is so delicate and risky. Peter Guo, NBC news, 3 July 2025 As a result, pre-workout can be risky for people with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for risky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risky
Adjective
  • After landing, the most dangerous times, statistically speaking, are takeoff, approach, and initial climb.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
  • And the Santa Barbara temblor revealed just how dangerous brick buildings built in that era could be.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some have also reported hazardous biking conditions due to traffic.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2025
  • Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
  • The rap scene, then steeped in gangster culture, was perilous.
    Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some 182 people with serious mental illness in the city jails are waiting for one of those beds, city correction officials said Thursday.
    Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • So far, the project has helped some counties reduce their administrative separation populations by up to 90% through limiting isolation to cases of recent violence and banning the use of restrictive housing for people with serious mental illness.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risky. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on risky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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