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a dangerous situation
an unsafe situation
a hazardous situation
a risky situation
a scary situation
a serious situation
dangerous precedent
troublesome precedent
perilous precedent
awful precedent
unhealthy precedent
horrible precedent
dangerous levels
unhealthy levels
risky levels
toxic levels
deadly levels
hazardous levels
a dangerous enemy
a powerful enemy
a deadly enemy
a potent enemy
a wicked enemy
a threatening enemy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dangerous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dangerous are hazardous, perilous, precarious, and risky. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," 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 dangerous?

The meanings of hazardous and dangerous largely overlap; however, hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When can perilous be used instead of dangerous?

The synonyms perilous and dangerous are sometimes interchangeable, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

When might precarious be a better fit than dangerous?

In some situations, the words precarious and dangerous are roughly equivalent. However, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

When is it sensible to use risky instead of dangerous?

The words risky and dangerous can be used in similar contexts, but risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

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 dangerous 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 As a result, power generators have been able to reduce their emissions of dangerous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury. David J. Vogel, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025 Considering the potential for dangerous navigation conditions, particularly in shallow areas, mariners are urged to monitor official forecasts and exercise caution until the advisory expires. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 Oddsmakers, however, still expect the Gators to handle a dangerous Maryland team coming off a thrilling win over Colorado State. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dangerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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
  • The plane was removed from the water by 10 a.m., per ABC 9. Crews are working to contain a hazardous materials incident related to the plane incident.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The debate over the law centers on balancing accountability for harmful content with the risks of censorship and stifled innovation.
    Daryl Lim, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Shiny and minty, these balms provide a gloss-like effect while protecting your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Relying on one job is risky, so explore side gigs, driving for rideshare apps, tutoring online, or selling a skill on platforms like Upwork.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • To dig down into the data, though, some parts of your flight are riskier than others — read more here.
    Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Archer: Not having a rink in L.A. has been really detrimental to the skating community.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Furthermore, the study highlights cultural contingencies, indicating that the detrimental effects of workplace aggression are amplified in cultures characterized by high individualism and masculinity.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The original film tells the story of a perilous trip undertaken by Hikari 109, a high-speed, first-generation bullet train traveling from Tokyo to Hakata.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Albi opened in early 2020, a perilous time for any new business to kick off.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • More studies will have to determine just how damaging microplastics truly are to fertility.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
  • But the uncertainty bred by the trade war is just as damaging to businesses’ bottom lines as consumers pull back their spending.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Could this cause some serious anxiety, or even an existential crisis?
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Mets’ prospects with experience in center field need more time in the minors before they can be considered serious options.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • So far, Lilly said the adverse effects of its new pill are consistent with GLP-1s, a class of medications primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In the study, the researchers measured patients’ impulse control behavior disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness, blood pressure changes and weight changes, and found that the adverse effects linked to tavapadon were no different from those who received a placebo.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dangerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dangerous. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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