risky

adjective

ˈri-skē

riskier; riskiest

Synonyms of risky

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for risky

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury.

dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Her plan is too risky.

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.

The fact fraternity alumni donate more makes getting rid of fraternities financially risky for schools. — Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Representatives Lori Trahan and Jay Obernolte have advanced the FRONTIER Act, which would authorize government intervention against risky models and override some state laws. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 That’s put more scrutiny on the riskier areas of the AI boom, which has grown increasingly reliant on issuing debt via the bond market. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Yields generally rise when investors view a bond to be more risky. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for risky

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of risky was in 1813

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous

risky

adjective

Synonyms of risky

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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risky

adjective

Synonyms of risky

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing risky

Rhymes for risky

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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