Thesaurus results for THREATEN

threaten

verb

ˈthre-tᵊn

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 That has fueled a broader rise in inflation as prices for anything being shipped move higher and threaten to slow economic growth. —

Arkansas Online, 6 June 2026 If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter. —

Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2026 Local services will be threatened, everything from street cleaning to park maintenance. —

Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026 The fighting in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have seized large swaths of the south, also threatens efforts to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz because Iran has demanded that any lasting truce extend to Lebanon. —

Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for threaten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threaten

Verb

Like with Saenz, the no-contact order hinged on the evaluation of a psychologist, who testified that Michelle was angry and paranoid and might endanger their son in her pursuit of revenge against his father, according to court filings.

— Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026
Clendenning said releasing Zeinab from custody would pose an unacceptable risk of endangering the safety and welfare of the public.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026