1
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm
mountain climbing is a risk, but the thrill and challenge are worth it
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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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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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Examples of risk in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2024
Like tanks, large surface ships, including aircraft carriers, are at risk of obsolescence.
—Lorenz Meier, TIME, 13 Aug. 2024
Ian Duncan and Lori Aratani The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 12 Aug. 2024
Starmer himself has avoided engaging directly online with the billionaire — and doesn’t plan to try privately either — for fear of getting into a war of words the government risks losing, the people said, asking for anonymity to discuss private matters.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for risk 
Noun
The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has purchased farmland next to the Pajaro River, where scientists will work to build a new oceanfront wetland on farmland to help reduce the risk of flooding during storms.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2024
Like tanks, large surface ships, including aircraft carriers, are at risk of obsolescence.
—Lorenz Meier, TIME, 13 Aug. 2024
Verb
The large number of removed parts in combination with burdensome instructions risked creating a conflict between what's supposed to be done and what actually happens on the factory floor, said Katie Ringgold, a vice president for the 737 program.
—Ian Duncan and Lori Aratani The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 12 Aug. 2024
Starmer himself has avoided engaging directly online with the billionaire — and doesn’t plan to try privately either — for fear of getting into a war of words the government risks losing, the people said, asking for anonymity to discuss private matters.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for risk
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'risk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risk. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.
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