as in threats
something that may cause injury or harm
life is full of unexpected perils
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in endangers
to place in danger
a tribute to the men and women who, as firefighters, peril their lives daily
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 perils
Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Once dominated by rare megacatastrophes, the balance of risk is shifting to frequency perils such as severe thunderstorms, floods, and wildfires, which now account for nearly two-thirds of losses.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Anyone paying attention to the news will understand the current relevance of a story about the perils of life under the imminent threat of deportation.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
For me, discount shopping, with all of its perils, still has a remnant of emotional resonance.
—Alissa Quart, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Protect your property and possessions from fire, theft, and other unexpected perils.
—Dan Avery,liz Knueven, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
There is a story that Neil Warnock likes to tell about the perils of trusting data when assessing footballers.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
The perils that confront each of us cannot be overstated.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Democrats and Republicans once recognized the perils of a growing national debt and understood the value of approaching matters of taxing-and-spending with a sense of responsibility.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
Pope Francis fervently willed the Acutis sainthood case forward — convinced that the church needed someone like him to attract young Catholics to the faith while addressing the promises and perils of the digital age.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Once dominated by rare megacatastrophes, the balance of risk is shifting to frequency perils such as severe thunderstorms, floods, and wildfires, which now account for nearly two-thirds of losses.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Anyone paying attention to the news will understand the current relevance of a story about the perils of life under the imminent threat of deportation.
—Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
For me, discount shopping, with all of its perils, still has a remnant of emotional resonance.
—Alissa Quart, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Protect your property and possessions from fire, theft, and other unexpected perils.
—Dan Avery,liz Knueven, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
There is a story that Neil Warnock likes to tell about the perils of trusting data when assessing footballers.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
The perils that confront each of us cannot be overstated.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Democrats and Republicans once recognized the perils of a growing national debt and understood the value of approaching matters of taxing-and-spending with a sense of responsibility.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perils
Noun
-
The threats are sometimes even leveled against family members.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Looking at the depth chart, the Eagles now have three threats coming out of the backfield.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Yet there is a clear Republican divide over whether Kennedy’s changes at the CDC should be celebrated or considered a grave error that endangers Americans’ health.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Drivers running late are more prone to speeding, which endangers lives.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Rip currents are the deadliest of surf-zone dangers, making up the majority of deaths among beach swimmers every year, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the dangers to children and families are mounting.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As aid groups say famine has already taken hold, the assault risks the lives of remaining hostages—captured by Hamas in its October 2023 attack—while Netanyahu faces mounting political turmoil at home, even as Washington continues to hold Hamas responsible for prolonging the conflict.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
If the effort once again stalls, reform advocates say, Congress risks squandering what may be its best chance in a decade to act.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Beach hazards statements alert the public to dangerous water conditions that could become life-threatening in some instances.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Later, Howard calls Matt and agrees to cut the sequence but also threatens to destroy him.—
Carson Blackwelder,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Overreliance on technology threatens to sever the pipeline that develops future experts, leaving critical gaps in both skills and perspective.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perils. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share