1 perilous | Definition of perilous
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perilous

adjective
per·​il·​ous | \ ˈper-ə-ləs How to pronounce perilous (audio) , ˈpe-rə-\

Definition of perilous

: full of or involving peril a perilous journey
Other Words from perilous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about perilous

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Other Words from perilous

perilously adverb
perilousness noun

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

 Like the Murdochs or the Trumps, the Roys are a family built on controlling the media and also one another, a game that is perilous and often combustible. — Rachel Syme, The New Republic, "How Succession Skewers the Rich," 9 Sep. 2019 But, as perilous and unnerving as things are, any form of political despair at such a moment remains unforgivable. — David Remnick, The New Yorker, "Trump Clarification Syndrome," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perilous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of perilous

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for perilous

Middle English perilous, perelous, borrowed from Anglo-French perilleus, perillous, going back to Latin perīculōsus, from perīculum "test, risk, peril entry 1" + -ōsus -ous

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More Definitions for perilous

perilous

adjective
How to pronounce perilous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of perilous

somewhat formal + literary : full of danger

See the full definition for perilous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

perilous

adjective
per·​il·​ous | \ ˈper-ə-ləs How to pronounce perilous (audio) \

Kids Definition of perilous

: dangerous sense 1 a perilous journey

Other Words from perilous

perilously adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on perilous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perilous

Spanish Central: Translation of perilous

Nglish: Translation of perilous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of perilous for Arabic Speakers

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