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

Among the most significant improvements is the expansion of greens back to their original sizes, allowing for hole locations closer to edges — and in closer proximity to the layout’s perilous bunkers and lakes. —Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Later, Toha would chronicle his family’s perilous journey out of Gaza, and his own detention by Israeli soldiers. —Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2025

Amid a deadly winter, survival transforms into a perilous game of cunning and betrayal. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025

Time is of the essence now given Everton’s perilous position in the table and the need to reinforce the squad for the relegation battle seemingly ahead. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

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