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 It’s also strongly rooted in Tulsa, with local color to spare, and maintains an oddball sense of humor, even in perilous situations. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 23 Sep. 2025 These currents vary in speed and can swiftly become perilous for anyone venturing into the surf. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025 What was trendy yesterday is now perilous, or potentially so. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025 In 2023, the remnants of Tropical Storm Hillary moved into the Southern California desert, flooding multiple homes and creating perilous, muddy conditions that trapped 58 people who were rescued by first responders in Cathedral City. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perilous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
Adjective
  • This neurological response evolved to keep our ancestors alive in genuinely dangerous situations.
    Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
  • In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For a while, walking the dog felt hazardous.
    Paula Span, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The surf will create hazardous rip currents.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Traveling with expensive jewelry is risky for several reasons.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Sky-high valuations and potentially risky circular relationships in the industry have also raised flags for investors.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Roundabouts help eliminate the types of crashes more likely to cause serious injuries or death.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The production came just in time to help the Angels (72-88) put a serious dent in the Astros’ chances of going to the playoffs.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perilous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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