HAZARDOUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'hazardous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hazardous are dangerous , perilous , precarious , and risky . While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure. // claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

Q: When is 'dangerous' a more appropriate choice than 'hazardous'?

In some situations, the words dangerous and hazardous are roughly equivalent. However, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully. // soldiers on a dangerous mission

Q: When could 'perilous' be used to replace 'hazardous'?

Although the words perilous and hazardous have much in common, perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger. // perilous mountain roads

Q: In what contexts can 'precarious' take the place of 'hazardous'?

While the synonyms precarious and hazardous are close in meaning, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty. // earned a precarious living by gambling

Q: Where would 'risky' be a reasonable alternative to 'hazardous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hazardous , risky often applies to a known and accepted danger. // shied away from risky investments

hazardous

adjective

ˈha-zər-dəs

Definition of hazardous next

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury a hazardous journey across the arctic ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hazardous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hazardous are dangerous, perilous, precarious, and risky. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When is dangerous a more appropriate choice than hazardous?

In some situations, the words dangerous and hazardous are roughly equivalent. However, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When could perilous be used to replace hazardous?

Although the words perilous and hazardous have much in common, perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

In what contexts can precarious take the place of hazardous?

While the synonyms precarious and hazardous are close in meaning, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

Where would risky be a reasonable alternative to hazardous?

While in some cases nearly identical to hazardous, risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples 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 hazardous The heaviest snow will happen before Tuesday’s morning commute, creating slick and hazardous road conditions for drivers, forecasters said in the advisory. —

Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2025 Beyond the economic toll, the report highlights severe environmental consequences, with 36.2% of counterfeit goods tested containing hazardous toxins. —

Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 States are gearing up for heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions A nasty mix of sleet, snow and freezing rain is expected to disrupt travel and daily life in the central United States, according to the NWS Winter Storm Severity Index. —

Mansee Khurana, NPR, 4 Jan. 2025 Before that, Congress approved a label on cigarettes cautioning users that smoking is hazardous to health, a move that is credited with helping America substantially reduce its bad habit. —

Amanda Seitz, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hazardous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hazardous

Adjective

As the winter storms progress, more updates are expected from local authorities to guide residents and travelers through potentially dangerous conditions.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
Hurts is incredibly dangerous with his legs, rushing for 630 yards and 14 TDs this season.

Rob Reischel, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025