Another Word for Risk: 17 Synonyms with Examples
A risk is the possibility of something bad happening, or something that could cause harm; as a verb it means to put at risk or to take a chance. Swap it to stress danger, threat or chance.
As a noun: the possibility of harm
- danger
- threat
- hazard
- peril
- possibility
- chance
- likelihood
As a noun: something that could cause harm
- hazard
- danger
- threat
- liability
- menace
As a verb: to put in danger
- endanger
- jeopardise
- threaten
- put at risk
- gamble with
As a verb: to take a chance
- chance
- venture
- dare
- gamble
- hazard
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- danger
- A more immediate and serious threat of harm.
- threat
- Something likely to cause harm, often from a person or force.
- hazard
- A specific source of danger, often physical: "a fire hazard".
- peril
- Serious danger; literary.
- jeopardise
- To put something valuable at risk, such as a career or deal.
- gamble
- To take a risk in the hope of a good result.
Example sentences
- danger: The sign warns of danger from falling rocks.
- threat: Rising sea levels are a threat to coastal towns.
- hazard: Wet leaves are a hazard for cyclists in autumn.
- peril: The sailors were in great peril during the storm.
- jeopardise: One mistake could jeopardise the whole project.
- gamble: They gambled their savings on opening a restaurant.
Opposite of risk
- safety
- security
- certainty
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “risk”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: adventure
noun: jeopardy
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “risk”?
The most useful alternatives are “danger”, “threat”, “hazard”, “peril”, “possibility”. For the main sense (the possibility of harm), “danger” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “danger” and “threat”?
danger: A more immediate and serious threat of harm. threat: Something likely to cause harm, often from a person or force.
What is the opposite of “risk”?
Common antonyms are “safety”, “security”, “certainty”.