threatened

adjective

threat·​ened ˈthre-tᵊnd How to pronounce threatened (audio)
Synonyms of threatenednext
: having an uncertain chance of continued survival
a threatened species
specifically : likely to become an endangered species

Examples of threatened in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Last month, the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife made a formal recommendation to protect southern California's mountain lions as a threatened population under the state's Endangered Species Act. Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026 Several nests of endangered tri-colored herons — considered a threatened species in Florida — were found on the island. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026 Denver is not included in the threatened area but, areas to the north and east are definitely looking at the potential for elevated to critical fire danger. Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026 Kirtland’s snake is listed as a threatened species in Illinois. Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatened

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of threatened was in 1960

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Threatened.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatened. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on threatened

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!