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

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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

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 precarious As the pandemic reminded us, the theatrical-business model can be precarious, and advertising is often a significant piece of any exhibitor’s financial pie. —

Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 The uneasy equilibrium Russia had achieved was growing increasingly precarious. —

Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025 Image Europe braces for a new Trump era Trump’s return to the White House has plunged Europe’s business leaders and policymakers into a precarious era, and officials have been bracing for it. —

Jonathan Wolfe, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 Even residents who didn’t sustain damage to their property found themselves in a precarious existence without cell service or clean water. —

Martha Shade, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for precarious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious

Adjective

Hamilton said that wind shear combined with an icy runway would make dangerous conditions for a flip.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Schools districts throughout Kentucky closed on Monday, citing flooded streets, dangerous travel conditions and power outages that impacted some 15,000 homes and businesses.

— Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025