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

Examples 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 Mountain snow, high winds and perilous surf was also expected. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 26 Dec. 2024 Music has always been a perilous, impractical pursuit, and even sympathetic fans hope for the best value for their dollar. Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 The harrowing true-life tale follows Glass on a perilous fur-trading expedition in the 1820s. Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024 The company believes that rice, devoid of the water that fills standard grapes, will offer a lighter and more practical alternative when making the perilous journey from Earth to the Moon. Luke Chinman, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perilous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
Adjective
  • Hurts is incredibly dangerous with his legs, rushing for 630 yards and 14 TDs this season.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • As the winter storms progress, more updates are expected from local authorities to guide residents and travelers through potentially dangerous conditions.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Snow can cause travel disruptions and create hazardous driving conditions.
    Joe Edwards, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Piercing cold with wind chills of 10 degrees below zero has gripped the Kansas City area, creating hazardous conditions across the metro, according to the National Weather Service.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Then use the same maturity model to test less risky areas with a slower rate of investment where sufficiency is acceptable.
    Kevin Lynch, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Since the price of bitcoin moves based on investor demand, betting on it as an asset can be risky.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And with a game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, that streak has a serious chance to continue.
    Max Bultman, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • With sleep disorders affecting approximately 70 million Americans and poor sleep linked to serious health risks like heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline, the Tone Buds represent a significant advancement in personal sleep technology.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near perilous

Cite this Entry

“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perilous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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