as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
a perilous journey through hostile territory
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Recent Examples of perilous
The only thing Iranian leaders view as more perilous for their self-preservation than the suffering wreaked by Israeli bombs is surrendering to American terms.
—
Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
The lowest points were desolate and full of perilous financial insecurity, exacerbated eventually by the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 June 2025
There are genuine nuclear concerns for Gabbard to focus on, beginning with the perilous fate of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which is under Russian occupation, neglected and close to the battlefield.
—Marc Champion, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Again, this is a no-frills movie — including the perilous frill that is expository dialogue.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perilous
Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
The lowest points were desolate and full of perilous financial insecurity, exacerbated eventually by the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 June 2025
There are genuine nuclear concerns for Gabbard to focus on, beginning with the perilous fate of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which is under Russian occupation, neglected and close to the battlefield.
—Marc Champion, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Again, this is a no-frills movie — including the perilous frill that is expository dialogue.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perilous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
Adjective
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He was found guilty of corruption, and he should have been considered a dangerous criminal.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
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While use of chrysotile asbestos was on the decline, the dangerous mineral has lingered in various gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, other vehicle friction products, and some diaphragms used to make sodium hydroxide and chlorine.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Many analysts believe that robots like the K2 are likely to complement human workers by taking over monotonous or hazardous duties, which allows people to focus on more complex, creative, or supervisory tasks.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
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Researchers worldwide are already focusing on multimodal robots that can adjust to their environments and access sites too hazardous or difficult for humans to reach.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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After multiple years of development invested in most of Booth’s draftees, that type of deal would also be risky in its own right.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
24 June 2025
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Howe may have a change of approach in mind, but such a hefty outlay on a player who doesn’t solve an obvious tactical conundrum is risky at the very least.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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According to a 2023 study on maternal health, women are still at risk for developing serious health conditions after the standard postpartum period of six to eight weeks.—
Cynthia McEwen,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Last season, especially over the latter half of the campaign following the Miller trade, Vancouver’s penalty kill morphed into a serious weapon.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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