perilous
2 synonyms and 2 antonyms for perilous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Full of danger; risky.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use perilous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a perilous journey
perilous conditions
perilous times
Etymology
From Old French perilleus, built from peril + -ous, echoing Latin periculosus.
Full origin of perilous →Frequently asked questions
What does “perilous” mean?
The word “perilous” means full of danger; risky. In plain terms, dangerous — used for situations, journeys, or actions that carry real risk.
How do you pronounce “perilous”?
“Perilous” is pronounced PEHR-ih-luhs (/ˈpɛɹ.ɪ.ləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “perilous” in a sentence?
Here is “perilous” used in a sentence: “The road down the cliff was narrow and perilous.”
What part of speech is “perilous”?
“Perilous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “perilous” come from?
The word “perilous” comes from Latin. From Old French perilleus, built from peril + -ous, echoing Latin periculosus.
Is “perilous” a common word?
“Perilous” is an uncommon word in modern English.