Synonyms for Jeopardy

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: The word jeopardy describes a state of risk, danger, or doubt. You can use this term when someone faces a threat to their safety or success. Many other words capture this specific feeling of being in a difficult or precarious situation. This list provides various options ranging from formal to informal usage.

Closest Synonyms for Jeopardy

risk: A general term for danger. Risk the storm and you face the risk of a crash.
danger: Immediate threat to safety. Running in danger means you might get hurt.
peril: Extreme or severe risk. The crew faced peril during the rescue mission.
threat: Something that may cause harm. The threat of rain forced us inside.
vulnerability: State of being exposed. His vulnerability to the virus was high.
precariousness: Unstable condition. The precariousness of the bridge worried the drivers.
hazard: Potential source of harm. Smoke is a common hazard in kitchens.
uncertainty: Lack of knowledge about outcome. We felt uncertainty before the test.
compromise: Threat to integrity. The deal put the company in compromise.
perilousness: Quality of being dangerous. The perilousness of the climb made it scary.
exposure: Being open to harm. His exposure to the sun caused a burn.
susceptibility: Likelihood of being affected. Her susceptibility to cold was clear.

Formal Synonyms for Jeopardy

imminent danger: Risk about to happen. The boat was in imminent danger of sinking.
critical position: Very difficult situation. The team found itself in a critical position.
precarious state: Unstable condition. The building is in a precarious state after the quake.
threatened existence: Risk of ceasing to be. The species faces threatened existence.
hazardous situation: Place with high risk. Workers avoided the hazardous situation.
uncertain outcome: Result not known. The trial led to an uncertain outcome.
vulnerable status: Condition of being at risk. Refugees hold a vulnerable status.
compromised standing: Loss of safety or trust. The scandal put his standing in jeopardy.
critical risk: Serious possibility of loss. The project faced a critical risk of failure.
endangered position: Spot where loss is likely. The soldier was in an endangered position.

Informal Synonyms for Jeopardy

in trouble: Common phrase for difficulty. You are in trouble if you break the law.
on the line: Risk losing something important. If you quit, your savings are on the line.
in a bind: Difficult spot with no easy way out. We are in a bind with no money.
on shaky ground: Unstable position. The deal is on shaky ground.
in hot water: In trouble, especially for a mistake. He is in hot water with his boss.
at risk: Likely to suffer harm. The data is at risk if the server fails.
in a dicey spot: Very risky situation. We are in a dicey spot with the deadline.
on a knife edge: Very close to disaster. The plane was on a knife edge.
in the crosshairs: Target for trouble or attack. The star is in the crosshairs of critics.
in deep: Serious trouble. The company is in deep after the fraud.

Antonyms for Jeopardy

safety
security
certainty
assurance
protection
stability
peace
tranquility
surety

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Selecting the correct synonym for jeopardy depends on the level of risk and the tone you wish to convey. If you describe a specific threat, use danger or hazard for a neutral tone. For extreme risk involving life or major loss, choose peril or imminent danger to emphasize severity. When speaking casually, phrases like being in trouble or on the line fit well in everyday conversation. Always check if the word implies an active threat or simply a precarious condition before finalizing your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between danger and peril?

Danger is a broad term for the possibility of harm, while peril suggests a much higher level of risk, often involving life-threatening situations. Danger is general, whereas peril is extreme.

When should I use the phrase in jeopardy?

Use in jeopardy when you want to say that something is in serious doubt or at risk of being lost, damaged, or destroyed. It often applies to plans, relationships, or safety.

Are hazard and danger the same?

They are similar but not identical. A hazard is a potential source of harm, while danger is the actual likelihood that harm will occur. A hazard may not be dangerous until activated.

What is a formal way to say someone is in danger?

You can say someone is in a critical position, facing imminent danger, or in a precarious state. These phrases sound more formal than simply saying they are in danger or trouble.