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Definition of risque

risque

/rɪsˈkeɪ/
ris · que
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risque Lexical Profile

risque Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Slightly indecent or liable to shock, especially by being sexually suggestive.

Example

"The comedian's late-night routine included a few risque jokes that made the audience blush."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for risque
Antonyms
View all antonyms for risque

Word Nuance & Usage

Often spelled 'risqué' with an acute accent over the final 'e' to preserve its French pronunciation (/rɪˈskeɪ/). Unlike 'vulgar' or 'obscene', 'risque' implies playful, teasing suggestiveness that pushes social boundaries without crossing into outright crudeness.

• Rhymes for risque

• Nearby Words

risktaker
risky
risotto
risque
rissole
rite
ritual

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 19th century from French 'risqué', the past participle of 'risquer' ('to risk'), literally meaning 'risked' or 'hazardous' with respect to social propriety.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Risque. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/risque
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