perilous

adjective

per·​il·​ous ˈper-ə-ləs 

ˈpe-rə-

: full of or involving peril

a perilous journey

perilously adverb

perilousness noun

Synonyms

• dangerous
• grave
• grievous
• hazardous
• jeopardizing
• menacing
• parlous
• risky
• serious
• threatening
• unhealthy
• unsafe
• venturesome

Choose the Right Synonym for perilous

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury.

dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples of perilous in a Sentence

a perilous journey across the mountains

a perilous journey through hostile territory

Recent Examples on the Web

Unilateral action is both perilous and economically unsustainable. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

As perilous as 2024 has been for people who make games, it's offered a diverse bounty for those who play them. —James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024

Although living in the encampment can at times be perilous, Alyiah Samara said she’s found a community there and will fight to stay. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 1 Dec. 2024

If confirmed by the Senate, Whitaker will work with NATO at a perilous time, as Western allies continue to support Ukraine in the war against Russia. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perilous, perelous, borrowed from Anglo-French perilleus, perillous, going back to Latin perīculōsus, from perīculum "test, risk, peril entry 1" + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

perilous

adjective

per·​il·​ous ˈper-ə-ləs 

: full of or involving peril

perilously adverb

perilousness noun