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 Unlike 25 years ago — when extremists, mostly from Saudi Arabia, entered the United States and trained to become deadly pilots — the terror threat facing Europe today is mostly organized online. — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 Still, to meet the threat level, the center will need more money, Hill said. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026 Today, with the rise of AI, many feel the same kind of existential threat and some are even pushing for a Luddite Renaissance. — Rund Abdelfatah, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026 What threats are out there, and what are the league’s tactics to defang them? — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threat

Noun

The mudslide hit part of a village in Suichuan County in Jiangxi province in the early hours, prompting rescuers to rush to the scene and relocate residents to safer ground to prevent further danger, authorities said in a statement.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Anderson portrays a young woman caught between danger and redemption under Joe’s guidance.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of danger

Noun

His signature gifts — menace at a whisper, deadpan absurdity, theatrical precision, and the knack for making even the strangest line land like an anvil.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
But Wild Horse Nine has been built around the queasy charisma of the great John Malkovich, who has made a career out of blending fragility and menace, even in his smallest parts.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of menace

Noun

Handles up improves safety and hygiene during unloading, avoiding contact with eating surfaces and reducing injury risk.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
Another is the contagion risk posed by having an unvaccinated child in a waiting room alongside infants and kids with immunodeficiencies.

— Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of risk

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 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of threat

noun

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