THREAT Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

threat

noun

ˈthret

Definition of threat

as in danger

something that may cause injury or harm terrorism is a threat to the safety of people everywhere

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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 threat Once equipment installation is complete, operators detect threats through optical systems including radar and thermal technology. — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026 Ballistic missile defenses are designed to track relatively predictable trajectories, while air-defense systems generally focus on lower-altitude threats. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026 Announcing the deployment, Ramaphosa said crime by organized gangs was the biggest threat to South Africa’s democracy and economic development. — Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 According to the Connecticut Department of Correction, there is no ongoing threat to residents or the surrounding community. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threat

Noun

The concern has reached Capitol Hill, where lawmakers held a briefing behind closed doors earlier this month about AI’s dangers.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
The broader concept envisions robots entering dangerous areas after sensors identify a threat, reducing the need to expose soldiers to direct danger.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of danger

Noun

The pieces look back to Minimalism, whose austere surfaces and heavy industrial materials menace viewers with the possibility of death and doom.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Matching the sociopathic charm and menace of Tom Ripley is a tall order, and Ehrenreich is a fantastic match for it.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of menace

Noun

That designation serves as a clear reminder of the elevated risks accompanying potential high yields.

— , CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
Presley Gerber’s death at age 27 has renewed questions about overdose risk, withdrawal complications and the challenges of addiction recovery.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

Many in the industry pointed to that hack as an example of the perils of the rapid pace of AI developments and capabilities.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
McKinley stages a few bullet-sweating sequences of peril, including a particularly brutal transport of gold bars across a crumbling rope bridge and an underwater accident exacerbated by floating logs.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of peril

Browse Nearby Words

thready

threat

threaten

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“Threat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threat. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of threat

noun

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