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Definitions

Russian roulette

ADJECTIVE
perilous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicate dicey hazardous precarious risky rugged shaky threatening ticklish touchy treacherous uncertain unstable
WEAK
chancy dynamite exposed hairy insecure loaded on thin ice playing with fire touch and go unhealthy unsafe unsound unsteady unsure vulnerable wicked
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm certain definite easy firm nice safe secure stable steady strong sure
WEAK
OK

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We can’t play Russian roulette with the destiny of millions of people,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

"For governments to allow private entities to essentially play Russian roulette with every human being on earth is, in my view, a total dereliction of duty," said Russell, a prominent voice on AI safety.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

“This was a game of Russian roulette every time an actor had a gun with dummies,” Morrissey said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2024

Through all of this he has tried to stay positive but he said waiting to see if her name was on the list to be released has been like "Russian roulette to the heart."

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2023

No one ever liked being sent back to the agency, of course, entering into the Russian roulette of a brand-new home.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway