RISKS Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

risks 1 of 2

noun

plural of risk

as in threats

something that may cause injury or harm mountain climbing is a risk, but the thrill and challenge are worth it

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risks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of risk

as in hazards

to take a chance on Colette didn't want to risk running out of food for her party, so she bought twice what she thought she would actually need

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as in endangers

to place in danger we refuse to risk our life savings on this investment scheme

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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.

Recent Examples of risks

Noun

Platforms regularly used by children would be required to assess and report on the risks their networks posed, Luxon said. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 This fall, make sure one of those conversations is about sports prediction markets and the risks of conflating gambling with investing. — Emily Stack, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 But with that slice of luck came a sudden outburst of responsibility from Brook, who then scored at almost a run a ball but did so sensibly and without taking any undue risks. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Eighth Round - Lopez 10-9 (Lopez 79-73) Lopez is easing his way to a victory here because Romero won’t take the necessary risks to make this his kind of fight. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Since 2021, nearly 50 North Carolina hospitals and the state’s health department have begun distributing the wristbands, to give mothers and care providers a visual reminder of the life-threatening health risks after birth. — Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026 The rapid release of stockpiles in the wake of disruption related to the Iran war is raising the operational risks. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 Giving up a well-paying job with benefits and security certainly had its risks. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026 Some environmental advocates say those funds should pay for research into exposure risks. — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Verb

Funding any individual channel also risks aggravating the thousands of channels that don’t get any cash. — Lucas Shaw, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Without that infrastructure, the region risks defaulting to the bilateral agreements that stalled cross-border electronic signature recognition in Latin America for more than a decade. — Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Mohammed Zahidullah, chief sustainability officer at DBL Group, warned that Bangladesh risks losing orders to competitors including India, Pakistan and Vietnam as those sourcing markets move more quickly to adopt renewable energy. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026 The central bank could hike rates in an effort to cool off prices, but the move risks an economic slowdown that may pinch hiring. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Such concessions would be unpopular, and Netanyahu risks losing power. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026 Depleting the reserve below 300 million barrels risks damage to the caverns, the former Biden administration official warned in June. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 Unethical conduct undermines the rule of law, risks national security, and sets a dangerous precedent for every level of government. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 This executive order risks making those conversations even harder at the moment when trust matters most. — Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 13 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for risks

Noun

The goal is also to keep the aircraft adaptable as threats and military requirements change.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
Geopolitical tensions are bringing critical dependencies and chokepoints into sharper focus, while Europe faces growing security threats on its doorstep.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of threats

Verb

But the department has been running into opposition by landowners, environmental groups, Native American tribes and others who argue that the rapid construction endangers environmental and religious sites and a way of life along the border.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Refusing to do so, Luis stirs a rivalry and potentially endangers his own employment.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026

Definition of endangers

Noun

One day later, a jury in Los Angeles determined Meta was negligent and failed to warn users of the mental health dangers associated with using its platforms.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Hotter ocean temperatures can worsen sea-level rise, disrupt weather patterns and pose dangers to sea life such as coral reefs, Labe says.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of dangers

Verb

The strongest moments come when Grande ventures into less familiar territory.

— Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026
Australian actress Catherine Lagaʻaia stars as the 16-year-old title wayfinder, who ventures beyond the reef on an epic quest to save her home island of Motunui.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026

Definition of ventures

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risking

risks

risky

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“Risks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risks. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of risks

noun

verb

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