PERIL Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

peril 1 of 2

noun

ˈper-əl

Definition of peril

as in threat

something that may cause injury or harm life is full of unexpected perils

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in risk

the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil they were unhappy about sending their son into peril overseas

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peril

2 of 2

verb

ˈper-əl

as in to endanger

to place in danger a tribute to the men and women who, as firefighters, peril their lives daily

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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 peril

Noun

This leaves the king with only one living son, Prince Yeongan, who quickly begins to show signs of mortal peril and also passes away mid-way through the series. — Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026 Poison Ivy Ignore the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) growing on your land only at your own peril. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 17 July 2026 Her unexplainable absences leads to a lack of hope, wisdom, and encouragement Odysseus desperately needs in peril. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 Dan also told the outlet the two children in peril were Taylor’s kids. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for peril

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peril

Noun

Being on the fringes of the MVP tier as an annual 100-point pace threat while being paid just $8 million for a long time will have that effect.

— Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of threat

Noun

This places the District at significant risk of being in violation of the law and collective bargaining agreements.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Odulio, who could not be reached for comment, previously worked as a federal trial attorney for the Department of Justice and as a senior operational risk manager for Wells Fargo.

— Julia Coin July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Definition of risk

Verb

Officials also expressed concern that any attack carried out during a crowded public event could endanger civilians, explaining why additional protective measures will be implemented at public meetings, press conferences and other appearances.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
The driver exited the freeway into Koreatown and continued speeding through surface streets, at times crossing into opposing lanes and endangering morning commuters.

— Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of endanger

Noun

When that fragile future is suddenly thrown into jeopardy by the birth mother expressing regrets, both Irene and the baby flee into the night.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Revealing basic information such as where, when and under what general circumstances a fatality occurred is not the kind of information that places a utility in legal jeopardy.

— Eric Adler July 18, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Definition of jeopardy

Verb

But after structural problems earlier this month threatened a partial collapse at one of the city’s largest such projects, regulators have intensified scrutiny.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Kansas City police are looking to the public for information after investigators say a woman threatened several people in Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood over the weekend.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of threaten

Noun

France's wine and spirits industry — a staple of its national economy accounting for about $19 billion in exports in 2024 — was already in trouble before the fires started raging.

— Martina Di Licosa, CBS News, 31 July 2026
In the past, summers have not been hot enough to justify the trouble for most homes.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Definition of trouble

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periapts

peril

periled

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Style

“Peril.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peril. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of peril

noun

verb

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