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

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 hazardous Popular among travelers for keeping a phone battery or other electronics fully charged, battery packs have grown in popularity, however some of the devices have been recalled or led to hazardous outcomes. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025 Past Incidents in the last 12 hours: Drivers cautioned as heavy rain triggers traffic concerns on westbound I-35 in Merriam A traffic advisory has been issued for hazardous driving conditions attributed to heavy rain on I-35 from 67th Street/Exit 228 to 75th Street/Exit 227. Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025 Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025 Brownfields are abandoned or underused properties, often industrial or commercial, where redevelopment is complicated because of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants in the soil. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hazardous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hazardous
Adjective
  • This, in effect, frames even the movie’s unrelated, apolitical happenings as being at the mercy of this dangerous future, backed by Western powers.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • Mensah and Bharadwaj take dangerous risks exploring an unknown area while Gurathin confronts Murderbot.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The first season traces Ellie and Joel’s perilous journey, punctuated by attacks by the infected, the depredations of groups of raiders, and betrayals galore by would-be allies.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • One brother, guided by moral duty, convinces the other to help the mother and join a perilous investigation to find the child.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Not mentioned in the CIT decision—and likely riskier—is section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
    Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • But scoring just one run as the road team in extras is always risky, and the Red Sox got burned again when Lexington’s Sal Frelick (4 for 5) beat Justin Slaten to the first base bag for an infield single to lead off the bottom of the 10th.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Created by a Benedictine monk with a serious eye for detail, this whimsical stop features 125 tiny, handcrafted replicas of famous historic landmarks, like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, all located on the grounds of Alabama’s only Benedictine monastery, St. Bernard Abbey.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • Seven restaurants were closed because of serious health violations: Chuys Restaurant, 4441 River Oaks Blvd., had a score of 27 and was closed because of unsafe temperatures in the restaurant’s cold storage units.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Improper Conduct – Any member attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe conduct, or conduct detrimental to racing; INDYCAR; and/or to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, whether during an Event or on/off the Track, may be subject to any or all penalties.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • And not all of the aid is reaching the Palestinian population, with some held up because of unsafe transit routes or looted on its way to distribution points.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hazardous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hazardous. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hazardous

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