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 There are few sporting activities more thrilling than dropping down an alpine pass at 60 mph on a road bike, but few more perilous, too. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025 The alternative scenarios for Iraq, should the talks collapse, are perilous: Iraqi militias targeting U.S. bases and Israel, Kurdish insurgents expanding their fight against Turkey, all potentially ending in more devastating military strikes on Iraq. Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025 But a downside surprise could be perilous considering the recent spate of bad economic news and the prevailing angst over the way President Donald Trump is implementing tariffs against U.S. trading partners. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 May 2025 It’s now become emblematic of the fight to protect trans women during a politically perilous time. Denny, Them., 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perilous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
Adjective
  • This, in effect, frames even the movie’s unrelated, apolitical happenings as being at the mercy of this dangerous future, backed by Western powers.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • Mensah and Bharadwaj take dangerous risks exploring an unknown area while Gurathin confronts Murderbot.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The cities with some of the highest rates of poverty and the most people of color have borne the burden of the state’s hazardous waste facilities.
    Sarah McCoy, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
  • The broad set-up doesn’t look close to hazardous, giddy excess yet.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, bringing a drug to market is not only very expensive with a very lengthy payoff period, the business is also very risky.
    John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • However, with most flights now offering antibacterial wipes and long-haul routes undergoing more extensive cleaning, the routine is arguably not much riskier than applying makeup at home.
    Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the Thunderbird pilots flying high had to overcome serious obstacles on the ground.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 24 May 2025
  • Mouse Deals The Razer Viper V2 Pro gaming mouse is a blessing for serious esports players, even more so with a $50 price cut.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perilous

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