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.

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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 of precarious in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web According to Paul Tudor Jones, founder and CEO of Tudor Investment Corp., this puts the U.S. in a precarious position—one that’s unsustainable in the long run unless serious action is taken to rein in government spending. —

Frank Holmes, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Unfortunately, the only achievement has been to make a precarious time for our public schools even more chaotic ... —

Shawna Chen, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 This new offering arrives in a precarious time for marketers. —

Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2024 And a precarious one since new friendships, including with the West, may not prove more secure than Russian ones. —

Charlie Campbell / Yerevan, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for precarious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious

Adjective

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment regarding some advocates’ concerns that a second Trump term would be dangerous for transgender Americans.

Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
This phishing technique is particularly dangerous because of its strategic design: • No Malicious Links or Attachments: Many phishing attempts are detected by email filters looking for suspicious links or attachments.

Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024