hazardous

adjective

ˈha-zər-dəs How to pronounce hazardous (audio)
Definition of hazardousnext
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury a hazardous journey across the arctic ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hazardous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hazardous are dangerous, perilous, precarious, and risky. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When is dangerous a more appropriate choice than hazardous?

In some situations, the words dangerous and hazardous are roughly equivalent. However, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When could perilous be used to replace hazardous?

Although the words perilous and hazardous have much in common, perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

In what contexts can precarious take the place of hazardous?

While the synonyms precarious and hazardous are close in meaning, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

Where would risky be a reasonable alternative to hazardous?

While in some cases nearly identical to hazardous, risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

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 hazardous The leaders of Caribbean and African states united to draft the Basel Convention, a 1989 international agreement effectively outlawing the export of hazardous waste to other countries. —Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025 This may result in slick and hazardous driving conditions. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025 However, a small portion of them, known as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs), do require closer observation. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 More snow is on the way and will create hazardous travel conditions, forecasters said. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hazardous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hazardous
  1. dangerous
  2. perilous
  3. risky
  4. serious
  5. unsafe
Adjective
  • Prioritising one competition in favour of another is a dangerous game to play in any case when the stakes are so high.
    — Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The company highlights one type of attack that is now targeting users and which is especially dangerous.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • Correspondent Jo Ling Kent looks back on a perilous week for companies and consumers trying to plan ahead.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Their perilous contact with foreign cultures reveals inner sins and weaknesses.
    — Armond White, National Review, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of perilous
Adjective
  • Relying on one job is risky, so explore side gigs, driving for rideshare apps, tutoring online, or selling a skill on platforms like Upwork.
    — Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • To dig down into the data, though, some parts of your flight are riskier than others — read more here.
    — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of risky
Adjective
  • Could this cause some serious anxiety, or even an existential crisis?
    — Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Mets’ prospects with experience in center field need more time in the minors before they can be considered serious options.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • Dujarric said that nearly 90% of water infrastructure – including wells, pumping stations, and sewage plants – had been destroyed or damaged by hostilities, exacerbating disease risks and forcing families to rely on unsafe sources.
    — Abeer Salman, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Concerns over substandard farmworker housing intensified after a 2023 mass shooting in Half Moon Bay drew attention to the unsafe and often overlooked living conditions of the region’s agricultural workforce.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of unsafe

Browse Nearby Words

hazarding
hazardous
hazards
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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