Synonyms for

Risky

Verb / ˈrɪski: / Another word for risky — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

full of the possibility of danger, failure, or loss

Synonyms & similar words

wild highrisk hazardous speculative bad dangerous hazardous unsafe uncertain precarious perilous chancy rash reckless adventurous bold brave courageous daring fearless intrepid plucky gutsy spunky venturesome

Synonyms by register

Formal

perilous hazardous precarious chancy

Informal

dicey touch-and-go iffy long shot

Literary

venturesome bold daring

Antonyms

safe secure cautious protected assured unhazardous

Common collocations

  • risky business
  • risky venture
  • risky proposition
  • risky move
  • risky behavior
  • risky investment
  • risky undertaking

Word family

noun risk
verb risk
adverb riskily

Usage note

While 'risky' often implies a negative potential outcome, it can also be used neutrally or even positively in contexts like 'a risky but potentially rewarding investment'.

Example sentences

  1. It's risky to cross the street without looking both ways.
  2. Jumping off the high dive is a risky move.
  3. It's risky to leave your bike unlocked outside.
  4. Playing with fire is too risky.
  5. It's risky to invest all your money in one stock.

Quotes

  • The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.
  • If you want to do something risky, make sure to do it safely.
  • Taking risks is scary, but it can lead to great rewards.

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