hover (over)

as in to threaten
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on after the first big layoff, the possibility of losing their jobs hovered over all of the factory's workers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hover (over)
threaten
Verb
  • The backlash was swift, with figures like Senator Ted Cruz condemning the remarks and FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatening to scrutinize ABC’s broadcast standards.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The Guardians have won 11 of 12, 16 of 18 and just enough games to send the Tigers into a season-threatening spiral.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Hover (over).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hover%20%28over%29. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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