Synonyms for Jeopardize
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team
Quick answer: To jeopardize means to put someone or something at risk of loss or harm. You can choose from many alternative words depending on the specific context, whether you are discussing financial danger, safety threats, or the likelihood of failure. This list covers options ranging from formal terms to casual expressions that capture the essence of endangering a situation.
Closest Synonyms for Jeopardize
- endanger
- To put in danger; The storm threatened to endanger the coastal town.
- risk
- To expose to the possibility of loss; He risked his career by making that claim.
- compromise
- To put at risk or lower the quality of security; Poor locks compromise the building's safety.
- imperil
- To place in grave danger; The delay imperiled the entire mission.
- threaten
- To put in jeopardy or cause harm; His actions threaten the peace of the region.
- place in peril
- To put in a state of extreme danger; The rescue team placed the hikers in peril.
- undermine
- To weaken or damage the foundations; Constant criticism can undermine team morale.
- put at risk
- To expose to possible harm; Investing all savings puts you at risk.
- put in danger
- This phrase suggests moving someone into a position where harm is possible, like leaving the keys in the ignition and walking away.
Formal Synonyms for Jeopardize
- menace
- To put something in danger.
- precipitate
- To cause something to happen quickly or suddenly, often leading to disaster.
- impose
- To place a burden or obligation on someone or something, potentially causing harm.
- jeopardise
- British spelling of jeopardize, used in many Commonwealth countries.
- weaken
- To make something less strong or effective, increasing the chance of failure.
Informal Synonyms for Jeopardize
- mess up
- To ruin or spoil something; You really messed up the presentation.
- shoot yourself in the foot
- To cause your own failure; Don't shoot yourself in the foot by acting rashly.
- put in a bad spot
- To put in a difficult situation; That lie puts you in a bad spot.
- risk it
- To take a chance on something; Let's risk it and try the new route.
- screw up
- To make a serious mistake; If you screw up the test, you fail.
Antonyms for Jeopardize
- protect
- safeguard
- secure
- preserve
- ensure
- guarantee
- fortify
- shield
- save
- uphold
How to Pick the Right Synonym
Choose a synonym based on the level of danger and the formality of your context. If the situation is life-threatening or critical, select strong words like imperil or endanger. For general business or casual conversations, use words like risk or mess up. Consider the tone you want to set; formal writing requires precise terms like compromise or threaten, while informal speech allows for expressions like shoot yourself in the foot. Always ensure the chosen word fits the grammatical structure and the specific nuance of the risk you are describing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between jeopardize and endanger?
Jeopardize and endanger are very similar, but jeopardize often refers to the risk of losing a chance or outcome, while endanger specifically refers to physical safety or harm to life. You can jeopardize a contract without anyone getting hurt, whereas endangering someone implies a threat to their well-being.
Can you use jeopardize in everyday conversation?
Yes, you can use jeopardize in everyday conversation, though it is slightly more formal than words like risk or mess up. It is common in workplace settings when discussing deadlines, deals, or project outcomes where success is at stake due to potential errors or delays.
What is a good antonym for jeopardize?
A good antonym for jeopardize is protect or safeguard. These words imply keeping something safe from harm or loss, which is the direct opposite of putting something at risk or in a dangerous position where it might fail.
Are there any formal alternatives to jeopardize?
Yes, there are several formal alternatives including imperil, compromise, and undermine. Imperil suggests a severe threat to existence or security, compromise often relates to security or integrity, and undermine suggests weakening the foundations of a plan or belief system.
