dicey

adjective

dic·​ey ˈdī-sē How to pronounce dicey (audio)
dicier; diciest
Synonyms of diceynext
: risky, unpredictable
a dicey proposition
dicey weather

Examples of dicey in a Sentence

Starting a business can be quite a dicey proposition. The weather looks a little dicey this morning. I hope it doesn't rain.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Ironically, government bonds – that safe place where investors park their money when stock markets get dicey – are now themselves stoking uncertainty and fear. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 Tom, impatient with the lack of results from both Willis and Beck, eventually takes matters into his own hands, and that is when things get dicey. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 Carmen Schools move away from MPS In the last couple years, the situation for one of Milwaukee’s leading charter school operations was dicey. — Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2026 But its effects can be significantly dicier for platforms hoping to stay far away from heated controversy. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dicey

Word History

Etymology

dice entry 1 + -y

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dicey was in 1950

Rhymes for dicey

See All Rhymes for dicey

Browse Nearby Words

dicerous
dicey
dich-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dicey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dicey. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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