risky

adjective

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

Synonyms of risky

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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.
The Edinburgh Fringe comes to a close Monday, wrapping up the monthlong performing arts festival that has become a proving ground for some of theater's riskiest, weirdest and most original work. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Pittsburgh, and most of Western Pennsylvania, will see a major heat risk, meaning the heat is dangerous for anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration and can be risky for anyone active in the sun or people in heat-sensitive groups. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Drugs such as Lamictal and lithium, along with anticonvulsants and antipsychotics, can help control manic and depressive episodes, quiet racing thoughts and sleep problems, and curb risky behavior. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 The concept depends on a lot of high-stakes assumptions about future growth in a specific area, which is one reason critics see it as risky. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 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

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

risky

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