precarious

Synonym Chooser

How is the word precarious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of precarious are dangerous, hazardous, perilous, and risky. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

Where would dangerous be a reasonable alternative to precarious?

While in some cases nearly identical to precarious, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When is hazardous a more appropriate choice than precarious?

The words hazardous and precarious can be used in similar contexts, but hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When is it sensible to use perilous instead of precarious?

The synonyms perilous and precarious are sometimes interchangeable, but perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

In what contexts can risky take the place of precarious?

While the synonyms risky and precarious are close in meaning, 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 precarious The Recruit followed Centineo as Owen Hendricks, a CIA lawyer who becomes entangled in dangerous international affairs following a precarious asset who attempts to reveal her ties to the government agency. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Brian Snyder | Reuters U.S. military aid for Ukraine has been halted following the spectacular falling-out between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leaving the country in an extremely precarious situation, defense strategists say. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025 Yet the demonstrations have created a politically precarious moment for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government. Derek Gatopoulos and Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025 As for who is in the most precarious position — and who seems the safest — here’s a ranking, going from the hottest seat to the coolest: 1. Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for precarious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precarious
Adjective
  • The 400-mile race is scheduled to start on Sunday after it was delayed by more than a month due to warm temperatures and a dangerous trail.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Freezing temperatures can endanger health, particularly of vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, whilst snow can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Whiteout conditions are possible and could make travel conditions treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The climate, meanwhile, continues on a treacherous path of warming.
    Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Traditionally, however, penny stocks are pretty risky.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Forgoing a balanced diet or drastically cutting calories is risky.
    Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The ripple effect from this trade should impact two areas: The uncertain QB situation and George Pickens.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Despite an uncertain future, the theater’s team is determined to continue their art and their wartime volunteering.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
    Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The salad bar did not have time labels for potentially hazardous foods kept out of temperature control.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Precarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precarious. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on precarious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!