perilous

adjective

ˈper-ə-ləs How to pronounce perilous (audio)
Definition of perilousnext
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury a perilous journey through hostile territory

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word perilous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of perilous are dangerous, hazardous, precarious, and risky. While all these words mean "bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury," perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

When might dangerous be a better fit than perilous?

The words dangerous and perilous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

When is it sensible to use hazardous instead of perilous?

The synonyms hazardous and perilous are sometimes interchangeable, but hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

When can precarious be used instead of perilous?

While in some cases nearly identical to perilous, precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

When would risky be a good substitute for perilous?

In some situations, the words risky and perilous are roughly equivalent. However, risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of perilous In this perilous era, there’s no time for on-the-job training in the nation’s capital. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 The most treacherous segment, including a perilous crossing over the drifting ice of Norton Sound, fell to Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog, Togo. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 During Weekend Update, cohost Colin Jost roasted the singer while unpacking America's perilous financial state in the wake of President Donald Trump's tariff decisions. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025 The straightforward task rapidly devolves into a perilous game of cat and mouse, when the merciless leader of a notorious crime syndicate sets his sights on claiming the organ for himself. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perilous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
  1. dangerous
  2. hazardous
  3. risky
  4. serious
Adjective
  • As the medical profession came to consider cocaine and morphine as equally dangerous, coca became associated with opium, and the public was led to believe that the ruinous effects of habitual opium use would inevitably befall those who regularly chewed coca leaves.
    — Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • More snow is on the way and will create hazardous travel conditions, forecasters said.
    — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 1 Apr. 2025
  • However, a small portion of them, known as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs), do require closer observation.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of hazardous
Adjective
  • Approaching the station was deemed too risky for Wilmore and Williams, aboard Starliner, as well as for the astronauts on the $100 billion space station.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Disclosing the full identity of someone fleeing persecution is inherently risky.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of risky
Adjective
  • Age restrictions could impact the positives that social media brings, and still fall short of solving its more serious issues.
    — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The 16-year-old passenger and the driver of the Subaru were taken to a hospital and last listed in serious condition, KTUL reported.
    — Jennifer Rodriguez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of serious

Browse Nearby Words

periling
perilous
perils
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Cite this Entry

“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of perilous for Spanish Speakers

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