PRECARIOUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of precarious are dangerous , hazardous , perilous , and risky . While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty. // earned a precarious living by gambling

Q: Where would 'dangerous' be a reasonable alternative to 'precarious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to precarious , dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully. // soldiers on a dangerous mission

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

The words hazardous and precarious can be used in similar contexts, but hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure. // claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

Q: When is it sensible to use 'perilous' instead of 'precarious'?

The synonyms perilous and precarious are sometimes interchangeable, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger. // perilous mountain roads

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

While the synonyms risky and precarious are close in meaning, risky often applies to a known and accepted danger. // shied away from risky investments

precarious

adjective

Definition of precarious next

as in dangerous

not safe, strong, or steady He earned a precarious livelihood by gambling. She was in a state of precarious health. The government is in a precarious position. The strong wind almost knocked him off of his precarious perch on the edge of the cliff.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word precarious distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

earned a precarious living by gambling

Where would dangerous be a reasonable alternative to precarious?

While in some cases nearly identical to precarious, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When is hazardous a more appropriate choice than precarious?

The words hazardous and precarious can be used in similar contexts, but hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When is it sensible to use perilous instead of precarious?

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

perilous mountain roads

In what contexts can risky take the place of precarious?

While the synonyms risky and precarious are close in meaning, 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 precarious The war between Israel and Hezbollah, the armed Lebanese group, escalated in September, worsening the already precarious situation. —

Aryn Baker, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 This unabashedly upbeat take on the creator economy glosses over the precarious nature of platform labor. —

Brooke Erin Duffy, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 The salary will send a message (or warning) to prospective candidates and to Washington State constituents about the school’s commitment to its football program — to winning, to relevance — at an intensely precarious time. —

Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2024 For eons, gay men (and their enablers) have been passing down misinformation about something that is admittedly precarious, yet more simple than it's made out to be. —

Fran Tirado, Them, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for precarious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious

Adjective

The National Weather Service warned that the winds could regain significant strength by Monday, with Tuesday predicted as the most dangerous day.

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025
These wild lands accumulate brush, and that brush is incredibly dangerous.

Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025