PERILOUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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 Andersen issues a plaintive and impassioned plea for understanding and compassion about the plight and perilous circumstances of refugees. —

Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 Union leaders are harassed and arrested, workplaces remain perilous, and bargaining is undermined by intimidation and retaliation. —

Tharo Khun, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026 The clock gives humanity just 89 seconds to reverse course, its most perilous setting ever. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 That on its own is a perilous position. —

Jim Edwards, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perilous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous

Adjective

Placing your carbon monoxide detector in the proper location can alert you to dangerous levels of the invisible gas, which is unfortunately more likely to occur with the use of personal space heaters.

— Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
The Charlotte region faces a harsh night on Thursday, including dangerous wind chills, according to the National Weather Service.

— Mark Price January 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026