Definition of imperilnext
as in to endanger
to place in danger a single mistake could imperil the lives of everyone involved in the military operation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

imperilment

2 of 2

noun

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 imperil
Verb
The latest truce agreement was reached after the two sides traded deadly fire on Friday, imperiling negotiations to reach a final peace deal between the United States and Iran. Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 In neighboring Maine, Graham Platner was contending with a drumbeat of reports about his history with women that has left some Democrats worried that the party's path to a Senate majority is suddenly imperiled. ABC News, 9 June 2026 Policies of the current federal administration and in certain states have imperiled our global leadership and prospects for the next generations of aspiring scholars of science with the potential for significant damage to our nation’s public health and biomedical and industrial leadership. Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 16 June 2026 Renewable energy groups suing the Pentagon claim a freeze in national security reviews for wind farms on private land has halted new projects, imperiling $47 billion in investments and 120,000 jobs across 21 states. Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperil
Verb
  • But that’s not the same as asserting that the physical differences between males and females invariably mean that men will invariably prevail over women in all competitions or that their participation will endanger women.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • In addition, they are expected to argue the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event — an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • The weird, vaguely threatening statement doesn’t lay the groundwork for a productive night, so naturally the vibes are just all off as the boys hang, so much so that Christian regrets planning it altogether.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
  • However, when her island's resources are threatened, Moana embraces her ancestors' voyaging heritage and heads out to sea to find Maui, deliver the heart of Te Fiti (which Maui stole back in the day) and save her people.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imperil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperil. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on imperil

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster