risqué

adjective

ris·​qué ri-ˈskā How to pronounce risqué (audio)
Synonyms of risquénext
: verging on impropriety or indecency : off-color
a risqué joke

Synonyms of risqué

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Examples of risqué in a Sentence

a song with risqué lyrics the bridal shower was filled with risqué banter and laughter
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Balancing between risque and woke Every brand has had to keep up with the culture. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 2 June 2026 There were clubs that were kind of quite risque in the ‘60s and ‘70s, particularly in London, and there’s stories to be told. — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026 And before long, the showgirls and their risque routines began to seem outdated, compared to the gravity-defining, high-tech, and appropriate-for-all-ages stunts of a neo-circus. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2025 Jennifer Lawrence's ethereal red carpet look (and bangs) Jennifer Lawrence bucked the traditional tone of the carpet with a risque floral number from Givenchy. — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for risqué

Word History

Etymology

French, from past participle of risquer to risk, from risque

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of risqué was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

risposta
risqué
Riss
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Cite this Entry

“Risqué.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risqu%C3%A9. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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