hazardous
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for hazardous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Dangerous; likely to cause harm.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hazardous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French hasardeux, built on "hazard" plus the adjective ending "-ous."
Full origin of hazardous →Frequently asked questions
What does “hazardous” mean?
The word “hazardous” means dangerous; likely to cause harm. In plain terms, risky or dangerous, often used for substances, conditions, or activities.
How do you pronounce “hazardous”?
“Hazardous” is pronounced HA-z-dihs (/ˈhæ.zɚ.dɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “hazardous” in a sentence?
Here is “hazardous” used in a sentence: “Workers must wear protective gear when handling hazardous chemicals.”
What is the opposite of “hazardous”?
The opposite of “hazardous” — its antonyms — are non-hazardous and nonhazardous.
What part of speech is “hazardous”?
“Hazardous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “hazardous” come from?
The word “hazardous” comes from French. From French hasardeux, built on "hazard" plus the adjective ending "-ous.".
Is “hazardous” a common word?
“Hazardous” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between hazardous and dangerous?
Hazardous and dangerous are close synonyms, both meaning likely to cause harm, but hazardous is more often used in formal, technical, or safety contexts, such as "hazardous waste" or "hazardous materials." Dangerous is more general-purpose and used in everyday speech.
What is the difference between hazardous and toxic?
Hazardous is a broad term meaning likely to cause harm of any kind, including physical, chemical, or environmental danger, while toxic specifically refers to something poisonous. A hazardous material may or may not be toxic; it could instead be flammable, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous.
What is considered a hazardous material?
A hazardous material is any substance likely to cause harm, which can include chemicals that are flammable, corrosive, toxic, or radioactive. The term is commonly used in workplace safety, shipping, and environmental regulations to flag items requiring special handling.