risky

adjective

ˈri-skē How to pronounce risky (audio)
riskier; riskiest
Synonyms of riskynext
: attended with risk or danger : hazardous
riskiness noun

Synonyms

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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.
According to Lowe, we’re all regularly exposed to microplastics daily—and other products are likely far riskier than a stick of gum. — Julia Ries, Health, 1 Apr. 2025 Disclosing the full identity of someone fleeing persecution is inherently risky. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025 Approaching the station was deemed too risky for Wilmore and Williams, aboard Starliner, as well as for the astronauts on the $100 billion space station. — ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025 The administration also argues that the tariffs will bring manufacturing back into the U.S. 💡Perspectives: • CNN: Why Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff transformation is so risky. — Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025 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

Phrases Containing risky

Rhymes for risky

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Browse Nearby Words

risk-taking
risky
risky business
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Cite this Entry

“Risky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risky. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

risky

adjective
ˈris-kē How to pronounce risky (audio)
riskier; riskiest
: having or bringing risk : dangerous

More from Merriam-Webster on risky

Nglish: Translation of risky for Spanish Speakers

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