parlous

adjective

ˈpär-ləs How to pronounce parlous (audio)
Definition of parlousnext
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury window washing can indeed be a parlous occupation on a skyscraper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 Declining revenues combined with soaring wage costs shifted the club’s finances into a parlous state. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026 The increasingly parlous state of Francophone West Africa’s second-largest economy led to a credit downgrade by S&P in July which has pushed up borrowing costs. — semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for parlous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parlous
  1. dangerous
  2. hazardous
  3. perilous
  4. risky
  5. serious
  6. precarious
Adjective
  • Despite Penta's aggressive offense and dangerous maneuvers, Gable persevered, ultimately making Penta submit with a decisive ankle lock, securing a triumphant and emotional victory.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Three wildfires are burning in Spokane County, Washington, and thousands of families have been ordered to flee their homes overnight, as state officials warn of an incredibly dangerous situation and brace for what daylight may reveal.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of dangerous
Adjective
  • The system also avoided hazardous conditions while controlling the spacecraft’s orientation, showing how autonomous software could reduce dependence on ground commands during military and scientific missions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities continue to warn the public about the dangers of the Kern River, describing it as extremely hazardous even for experienced swimmers.
    — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of hazardous
Adjective
  • In this context, replicating reputation management by political methods could prove perilous.
    — Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The acclaimed filmmaker's adaptation stars Matt Damon as the intrepid Greek king Odysseus, who embarks on a perilous voyage home following the Trojan War.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of perilous
Adjective
  • In the Himalayan region, fragile mountains, seismic activity and unpredictable underground conditions make tunnel projects especially risky.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • The new joint venture draws a line between Doronin’s two companies and moves the heavy, risky capital requirements of real estate development into a separate vehicle.
    — Katharina Kotrba, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of risky
Adjective
  • The claim and counterclaim are among serious allegations – including of smear campaigns and embezzlement – aired in multiple court cases now swirling around the production of the Australian musical comedy.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Deputies followed behind and reported no serious injuries related to the rolling sedan.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 July 2026
Definition of serious
Adjective
  • And their semi-final victory over England was plucked from another incredibly precarious position.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Speaking for my parents, as immigrants in a country that has only gotten, to be honest, more hostile over their lifetime, everything’s always going to feel precarious.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of precarious

Browse Nearby Words

parlors
parlous
parochial
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Parlous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parlous. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on parlous

Nglish: Translation of parlous for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of élan

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All