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 Director Gareth Edwards' latest installment in the long-running sci-fi action franchise at least tries something different by throwing a heist movie into the usual perilous adventure. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025 These currents vary in speed and can swiftly become perilous for anyone venturing into the surf. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025 Predicting depth charts can be perilous, but based on what’s been said throughout fall camp, this puzzle seems solvable with less than two weeks until the season opener. Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025 Video footage shows the marine mammal breaching the surface and swimming away, liberated from its perilous constraints. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perilous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
Adjective
  • The illness prevents her body from producing platelets, leaving her at constant risk of dangerous bleeding.
    Liz Neporent, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025
  • But that wasn't the most dangerous thing that happened to me.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Deb leaves him for a female power broker; Maya rekindles a hazardous affair from her youth; and Gideon drops out of college to go on a dangerous journey that will put his principles to the test.
    Peter White, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With that being said, driving barefoot can also be risky.
    Georgea Kovanis, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Well, maybe worst is harsh, but the ones higher up this list are possibly going to be less effective, or unlikely to play much for their new club, or are just a bit risky.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This mismatch is creating serious financial strain for longtime homeowners.
    Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 22 Aug. 2025
  • New from the ground up, with hybrid power and the promise of serious off-road capability, the 2026 Cherokee midsize SUV patches a gaping hole in the brand’s lineup.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perilous

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