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Synonyms

perilously

American  
[per-uh-luhs-lee] / ˈpɛr ə ləs li /

adverb

  1. in a way or to a degree that is full of grave risk or peril; dangerously.

    That lighthouse has always been perilously close to the ever-eroding cliffs.

Other Word Forms

  • nonperilously adverb
  • unperilously adverb

Etymology

Origin of perilously

perilous ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A few houses hovered perilously close—5 feet or so—from the precipice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Every wacky second, you’re well aware how perilously close it is to falling apart at the seams.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Perched perilously just three points above the Premier League relegation zone, Forest's main aim is to avoid dropping into the Championship.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

But he said he was concerned about about those who are "perilously close to becoming homeless" and he urged people to get in touch if they were financially struggling.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

“I fail to see how three mere children, no matter how Incorrigible, could do so much damage. Just thinking about it makes me feel perilously close to having a tantrum!”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.