RISKY Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of risky are dangerous , hazardous , perilous , and precarious . While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," risky often applies to a known and accepted danger. // shied away from risky investments

Q: When can 'dangerous' be used instead of 'risky'?

While the synonyms dangerous and risky are close in meaning, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully. // soldiers on a dangerous mission

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

Although the words hazardous and risky have much in common, hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure. // claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

Q: When would 'perilous' be a good substitute for 'risky'?

The words perilous and risky can be used in similar contexts, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger. // perilous mountain roads

Q: When might 'precarious' be a better fit than 'risky'?

While in some cases nearly identical to risky , precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty. // earned a precarious living by gambling

risky

adjective

ˈri-skē

Definition of risky next

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury a risky new adventure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word risky distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of risky are dangerous, hazardous, perilous, and precarious. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

When can dangerous be used instead of risky?

While the synonyms dangerous and risky are close in meaning, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When could hazardous be used to replace risky?

Although the words hazardous and risky have much in common, hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When would perilous be a good substitute for risky?

The words perilous and risky can be used in similar contexts, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

When might precarious be a better fit than risky?

While in some cases nearly identical to risky, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

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 risky There was the Chris Rock special, that Love Is Blind reunion debacle, John Mulaney’s invigorating spin on the talk show, the boffo Tyson-Paul fight and, most risky of all, the upcoming pair of NFL games on Christmas. —

Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Dec. 2024 Emergency rules now in place require the use of water when risky work is performed, but proponents said enshrining a ban in state law was important because such regulations could change. —

Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 Consuming vitamin C-rich foods is generally safe, but supplementation may be risky for those taking statins or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. —

Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 3 Dec. 2024 There are increasing concerns that countries or wealthy individuals will turn to geoengineering, which would involve deliberately altering the planet's climate to hold warming at bay temporarily, as a risky stopgap. —

Andrew Freedman, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for risky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for risky

Adjective

Road conditions could also be dangerous in the region.

Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024
Being inconsistent with genocide allegations sets a dangerous precedent.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024