as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
a perilous journey through hostile territory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Every episode of Destruction Decoded delves deep into a type of historical disaster, such as train crashes, bridge collapses, or perilous expeditions.
—
PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
His killing could become not just a tragedy but a catalyst—an event that radicalizes ever more Americans, less an aberration than a feature of our increasingly perilous national politics.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
The Great Lakes represents the world's largest freshwater system and are a major shipping hub, with maritime travel dating back several centuries and perilous nautical conditions marked by navigational challenges and seasonal weather.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Each breakthrough spoke to what could be imagined, while also exposing how perilous progress could be.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perilous
PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
His killing could become not just a tragedy but a catalyst—an event that radicalizes ever more Americans, less an aberration than a feature of our increasingly perilous national politics.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
The Great Lakes represents the world's largest freshwater system and are a major shipping hub, with maritime travel dating back several centuries and perilous nautical conditions marked by navigational challenges and seasonal weather.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Each breakthrough spoke to what could be imagined, while also exposing how perilous progress could be.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perilous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perilous
Adjective
-
Demonizing or attempting to eliminate those who think differently – literally or symbolically – has become a dangerous norm, which is all too evident in the wake of the Kirk shooting.—
Arash Javanbakht,
The Conversation,
15 Sep. 2025
-
During volatile periods, this becomes especially dangerous because customer loyalty becomes more fragile and harder to rebuild.—
Talbott Roche,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Repetitive, low-skill and high-risk tasks such as patrolling remote sites or working in hazardous environments will be left in capable digital hands, reducing exposure risks and improving operational continuity.—
Freddy Kuo,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Hornet’s downward slash is the primary means of parrying and lining up another attack or traversing over stretches of hazardous pits.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Instead of following that plan, Artamonov put investor money into risky short-term options, losing millions of dollars, often within days of receiving the money from investors, the indictment said.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The party already enjoys largely favorable maps in Maryland and Illinois, making redistricting in either state politically risky for its members and a tougher lift.—
The Hill,
The Hill,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Serving warrants requires officers to arrest a person suspected of committing a serious crime or secure crucial evidence, both situations that up the chances that a dangerous suspect might be lying in wait.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
-
This lightwear pair at Amazon is on sale for $12—a serious deal considering they’re polarized to ensure UV protection, feature a coating that helps protect against water on rainy days, and have a one-piece nosepad that fits snugly on your face without digging in like some of the metal varieties.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perilous. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share