Definition of perilousnext

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 Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025 The plot unfurls 30 years after the Rage Virus spread through England as a boy and his dad travel from the safe harbor of their remote island for a perilous hunting mission. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025 When Alexander is promoted to field work, however, things take a shocking, perilous turn. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 Dec. 2025 Squibb plays Thelma Post, a grandmother who gets duped by a phone scammer, discovers her mistake, and makes a perilous journey through the streets of Los Angeles to track down the culprit. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perilous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
Adjective
  • Pipes and sewers can be very dangerous for pets and wildlife and Roto-Rooter, with specialized equipment and personnel, has become a go-to call to save cats, dogs, turtles and more.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Ole Miss has enough dangerous weapons in quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and wide receivers Harrison Wallace III, De’Zhaun Stribling and Deuce Alexander to make a tired defense pay.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Forecasters warn of hazardous travel conditions from icy roads and low visibility.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The system focuses on physical interception rather than electronic warfare, addressing scenarios where jamming proves ineffective or risky.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Directed by Steven Lisberger, the movie leans hard into CGI at a time when that was still considered risky and experimental.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If Haaland isn’t my choice here, there should be serious consideration at The Athletic about sacking me.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • As for the safety of the drug, about 10% of the adults taking enlicitide experienced serious adverse events during the study and a similar share, about 12%, of those taking a placebo experienced adverse events in the study.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on perilous

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