Thesaurus results for THREATEN

threaten

verb

ˈthre-tᵊn

Definition of threaten

as in to endanger

to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 threaten When devastating wildfires threatened nearby communities in January of 2025, the Rose Bowl quickly transformed into the command center for emergency response. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Opponents of the wall say the structure will eventually threaten some of the rare species that make the American Southwest so special, including jaguar and wolves. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Just as former Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) orders all of the firefighters to evacuate because the roof threatens to collapse, a major explosion goes off inside the structure. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026 Meanwhile, an insidious supervillain (Kenneth Branagh) lurks, threatening to take Crown down. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for threaten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threaten

Verb

Officials also expressed concern that any attack carried out during a crowded public event could endanger civilians, explaining why additional protective measures will be implemented at public meetings, press conferences and other appearances.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
The driver exited the freeway into Koreatown and continued speeding through surface streets, at times crossing into opposing lanes and endangering morning commuters.

— Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of endanger

Verb

But negotiations for a permanent peace have stalled, and Iran has continued to menace the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to charge tolls for ships using the vital waterway, a nonstarter for American allies in the Persian Gulf.

— Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Wallick believed Martinez-Sarmiento had retrieved a weapon from a car and was going to menace others outside the nightclub, the district attorney’s office said.

— Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 24 June 2026

Definition of menace

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threat

threaten

threatened

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“Threaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threaten. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of threaten

verb

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