risky

adjective

ˈri-skē How to pronounce risky (audio)
Definition of riskynext
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury a risky new adventure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 While that was a lighthearted viral moment in the travel world, this year, flyers are amping things up with a much riskier practice: airport theory. —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 That would obviously be an extraordinarily risky political move. —Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025 Despite its origins as an alternative asset class, bitcoin has tended to trade in the same direction as riskier stocks. —Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 According to Lowe, we’re all regularly exposed to microplastics daily—and other products are likely far riskier than a stick of gum. —Julia Ries, Health, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for risky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risky
  1. dangerous
  2. hazardous
  3. perilous
  4. serious
Adjective
  • Prioritising one competition in favour of another is a dangerous game to play in any case when the stakes are so high.
    — Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The most immediate context for this comment is presumably both the backlash to Hogwarts Legacy and the ongoing backlash over Rowling’s views writ large regarding trans women being dangerous predators.
    — Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • Specialized drivers transporting hazardous materials or oversized loads can earn $75,750–$118,600 per year, while owner-operators may make $85,000–$100,000, excluding maintenance expenses.
    — Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Authorities raised the alert level, warning of the potential for further hazardous volcanic activity.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of hazardous
Adjective
  • Correspondent Jo Ling Kent looks back on a perilous week for companies and consumers trying to plan ahead.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Their perilous contact with foreign cultures reveals inner sins and weaknesses.
    — Armond White, National Review, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of perilous
Adjective
  • In total, 36 people were hospitalized, and 7 people developed Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney disorder.
    — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • These behaviors can lead to serious side effects, from bloating and nausea all the way up to heart attack and stroke, Pasricha says.
    — Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of serious

Browse Nearby Words

risks
risky
risqué
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risky. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of risky for Spanish Speakers

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