risk 1 of 2

noun

ˈrisk How to pronounce risk (audio)
Definition of risknext
1
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm mountain climbing is a risk, but the thrill and challenge are worth it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in danger
the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil children living in poverty are considered at risk for a number of medical and developmental problems

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

risk

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to venture
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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2
as in to endanger
to place in danger we refuse to risk our life savings on this investment scheme

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 risk
Noun
This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 But the hardening resistance is also a concerning dynamic for Trump, who is looking to maintain his influence over the ideologically diverse Republican conference — and is at risk seeing that grip weaken. — Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
Davidson shares that the families who chose not to participate in the docu-series didn't want to risk their children reliving the trauma caused by Smith. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 Apr. 2025 Two days off to decompress and diagnose the deficiencies in Smith’s swing are more productive than pushing him to play through his struggles and risking cratered confidence. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for risk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for risk
  1. threat
  2. danger
  3. venture
  4. endanger
  5. jeopardy
  6. hazard
  7. threaten
  8. trouble
Noun
  • As election denial, steered by Trump, ran rampant, local election workers across the country faced a barrage of violent threats, accusations of misdeeds and intense scrutiny from riled, partisan vigilantes during the 2022 midterm elections.
    — Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Combs had offered up to $50 million to wait for his trial from his home on Star Island, but prosecutors insisted the musician was a threat to witnesses and victims.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of threat
Noun
  • Emery introduced two attackers, Watkins and Malen, in the 66th minute, yet there was little danger that Rogers would be one of those to make way.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Arkansas Forestry Division listed wildfire danger in Benton County, and all other counties in the state, as low as of 8:40 a.m. Monday.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of danger
Verb
  • Wait for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning or thunder before venturing outside.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • But the interest in the 2005 film isn’t fading anytime soon, as audience members venture to theaters to revisit this particular version of the famous love story.
    — Abigail Lee, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of venture
Verb
  • The toxics killed fish and wildlife, closed beaches, and endangered environmentally sensitive areas.
    — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Without strategic global action, this figure could triple in the coming decades, threatening marine ecosystems, endangering wildlife, and impacting the millions of people who rely on the ocean for food, income, and survival.
    — Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of endanger
Noun
  • So why is the proposal to locate a shelter here in such jeopardy — to the point where Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has said the project is dead?
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025
  • These rangers are dedicated to their work of connecting New York City kids with nature and learning opportunities, but job instability puts the entire ranger team and their programming in constant jeopardy.
    — Adam Ganser, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of jeopardy
Verb
  • He is charged with conspiracy, attacking civilians, murder in violation of the law or war, terrorism, hijacking or hazarding a vessel or aircraft and intentionally causing serious bodily injury.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The Navy prosecuted Seaman Recruit Ryan Mays on charges of aggravated arson and willfully hazarding a vessel.
    — Ziva Branstetter, ProPublica, 29 Jan. 2025
Definition of hazard
Verb
  • The situation quickly escalated, with the Uber driver threatening to call the police and kicking Ray in the groin, according to Buchen-Ray.
    — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Now cuts to federal funding threaten efforts to prevent more cases and outbreaks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of threaten
Noun
  • Police eventually returned the child home, and Bass reported the child had been in trouble the day before, according to a police report.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That can get him into trouble at times, but throwing 97-100 mph as a reliever also gives him more margin for error.
    — Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of trouble

Phrases Containing risk

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rising (to)
risk
risked
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Cite this Entry

“Risk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/risk. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on risk

Nglish: Translation of risk for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about risk

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