PERILOUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

perilous

adjective

ˈper-ə-ləs

Definition of perilous next

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury a perilous journey through hostile territory

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century piece that is more than 200 feet wide, has had a perilous history since its creation. —

Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025 For the rest of us, though, certainty is unavailable, and we’re left to ponder which perilous force—nuclear, climatic, or biological—will get us first. —

Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 The film follows a courageous cat that teams up with a capybara, lemur, bird and dog for a perilous journey after their homes are devastated by a flood. —

Zac Ntim, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025 The Bucks had a practice scheduled at Tulane University on Tuesday, but according to team sources, it was canceled because traveling across the city was deemed too perilous. —

William Guillory, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perilous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous

Adjective

Schools districts throughout Kentucky closed on Monday, citing flooded streets, dangerous travel conditions and power outages that impacted some 15,000 homes and businesses.

— Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
Hamilton said that wind shear combined with an icy runway would make dangerous conditions for a flip.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025