PARLOUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

parlous

adjective

ˈpär-ləs

Definition of parlous

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury window washing can indeed be a parlous occupation on a skyscraper

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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 parlous The Conservatives, anticipating a heavy defeat, announced sweeping tax cuts before the election, expecting that Labour would have to raise them once in office, given the parlous state of Britain’s public finances. — Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 Then there’s the parlous state of VW Group itself. — ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026 This isn’t the first time that someone has tried to use AI as a shortcut, with parlous consequences. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 Despite the Soviet state’s parlous position, he was suffused with hope. — Literary Hub, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parlous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parlous

Adjective

People talking to an AI in an abusive and cruel way are more likely to be associated with trying to get the AI model to engage in dangerous requests, like trying to get around an AI’s safety guardrails, Campbell added.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Hazing involves requiring new or potential recruits to the military or college fraternities to perform strenuous, humiliating or dangerous tasks.

— Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of dangerous

Adjective

Forecasters said flash flood potential and hazardous coastal conditions across east Central Florida are the main concerns heading into the week.

— Felix Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Oil, gas and chemical plants are among the most hazardous and most costly places to operate.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of hazardous

Adjective

One soldier waited two days for help and could not walk; the drone’s flight to safety took less than 15 minutes, illustrating its potential to replace perilous ground rescues.

— Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The truckers that have managed to ferry water into Taiz have in some cases tripled their rates to make the perilous journey.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of perilous

Adjective

Taxing employment always has been a blunt way to raise money, albeit less risky when moving involved more friction.

— Stuart Loren, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
In an extreme case, the government could skip bond sales and simply force banks to lend — a risky step that might undermine the stability of the banks and the entire financial system.

— David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of risky

Adjective

Just before this case was to finally go to trial, Snapchat agreed to settle the Maynards’ lawsuit, as the couple alleged the social media platform is liable for the serious injury crash.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Whereas Dino saw it as a very serious major film, in the style of King Kong, something rather serious.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of serious

Adjective

The shift also comes at a precarious time for audience traffic.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Unfortunately, South Korea’s situation is becoming more precarious — and thus conflict more likely — as Kim’s confidence grows and resolve weakens in Seoul and Washington.

— Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of precarious

Browse Nearby Words

parlors

parlous

parochial

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“Parlous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parlous. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of parlous

adjective

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