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.
Democratic members of the Public Service Commission, the state’s energy regulator, say the contract is risky for Georgia’s residential customers. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026 While eschewing any out-of-town tryouts in order to come directly to Broadway is atypical and potentially risky, perhaps producer Mike Bosner is particularly confident because of the A-list creative team behind the show. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026 Washington has been developing new wildfire safety regulations for several years, including building codes for homes constructed in risky areas and rules for managing plants and vegetation. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026 Although never stated outright, Dee and Dennis’s exaggerated get-rich-quick plot smacks of risky financial endeavors, such as the rise of dystopian prediction markets. — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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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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