UNSAFE Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

unsafe

adjective

ˌən-ˈsāf

Definition of unsafe

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury workers are forbidden from engaging in unsafe activities on company time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in careless

not paying or showing close attention especially for the purpose of avoiding trouble people who have a record of being unsafe drivers usually have to pay higher insurance premiums

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unsafe The audit found that unsafe products had remained on the market for as long as three years before the Marijuana Enforcement Division issued a public warning. — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 The Bucky Dent Water Park reopening was followed days later by the Florida Department of Health’s closure of three pools after an inspection prompted by a complaint about unsafe conditions revealed 34 violations. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 Tenants had been involved in a years long dispute with multiple landlords over unsafe living conditions. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 Predicted in the 1970s by NASA physicist Donald Kessler, this chain of orbital smashups could make the space around Earth unusable and unsafe. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsafe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsafe

Adjective

In November 2021, crew members took shelter inside their spacecraft after a Russian anti-satellite weapons test created a dangerous cloud of debris.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
In 2015, Chicago’s public health department identified three cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a highly dangerous pathogen that can kill within hours.

— Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of dangerous

Adjective

Josh Hoover may have been a bit careless, but every game TCU has played this season is another painful example how badly both his old school, and coach, miss him.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
According to police, the driver was cited for careless driving.

— Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

If enough collisions occur, certain orbital regions could become extremely hazardous for future missions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Today, the vast majority of this hazardous waste remains locked in temporary storage facilities across the globe.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of hazardous

Adjective

In addition, the jury found the two deputies acted with reckless disregard and awarded $10 million in punitive damages.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Chiu was convicted of murder, second-degree robbery, assault with a firearm and reckless evasion of police.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of reckless

Adjective

Revenue bonds are generally viewed as riskier than other types of government bonds, in part because they’re backed by the promise of revenue from a specific project — in this case, payment by individual borrowers.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
The pain has been felt most acutely in the riskier credits with high-yield spreads rising about 70 basis points since late September.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of risky

Adjective

Christopher Nolan’s recent film reminded me of another time when the world was awash in ambiguity and leaders needed to navigate the perilous voyage across unfamiliar territory.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Two Utah residents who hiked Mount Shasta in Northern California were rescued after they became stranded during a perilous 36-hour journey through freezing conditions.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of perilous

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unrushed

unsafe

unsaid

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“Unsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsafe. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsafe

adjective

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