Synonyms

perilously

American

[per-uh-luhs-lee] / ˈpɛr ə ləs li /

adverb

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

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.

Perilously perched just four points above the Premier League relegation zone following the 4-1 home loss, Spurs have a multitude of issues to resolve.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Perilously mixing business and pleasure is a common—and devastating—theme throughout the whole series.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2020

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Perilously close to seeing their bid for a second consecutive Stanley Cup put in serious jeopardy, the Blackhawks are in need of a little showtime.

From Chicago Tribune • May 26, 2014

Perilously close to the border with Germany, Metz has changed hands many times.

From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2010

Perilously positioned on the thin wooden headboard of the bed, a bottle of STA- WET gel.

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green

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