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 Gibney has never been one to shy away from controversy, but even before Musk’s release, the film drew the ire of its subject and threats of a defamation lawsuit. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Oct. 2026 Analysts say the rise in Iranian attacks and threats is in response to higher volumes of oil and petroleum products through the strait. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 El-Sayed also declined to identify Iran or Israel as the greater threat to the United States, saying both had proven dangerous in their own way. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka told Polish media Tusk learned about the threat first thing on Sunday morning. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threat

Noun

The primary danger of these apps is not the fees associated with using just one, Feltner noted.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Schools already rehearse fire drills and lockdown drills for dangers that are statistically rare.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of danger

Noun

Dangerous donkeys On one side is the public safety crowd, who insist the 500-pound beasts are a menace to the free flow of commerce.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Few directors are better than Mungiu at capturing the non-wisdom of crowds, and every glimpse of the Gheorghius in communion with other Christians throws off an air of mass-smiling menace.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of menace

Noun

Al Hassan describes a doctor’s appointment where the doctor can review the patient’s history and risk information before deciding on treatment.

— Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
The city-state had tightened its policy in back to back in April and July, citing inflation risks due to higher energy prices.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

Yes, there is the expedition and the sort of peril and problems that come with that.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Ignoring the Work Triangle Ignore the wisdom of the kitchen work triangle—in which the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator are arranged to make meal prep and cooking more efficient—at your peril.

— Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of peril

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thready

threat

threaten

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“Threat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threat. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of threat

noun

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