Synonyms of 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

• endanger
• menace
• hang (over)
• jeopardize
• imperil
• hover (over)
• impend (over)
• overhang
• hazard
• peril

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of threaten

Keeley is all optimism in the buildup to the team’s first game — merely a friendly against Hayes and Yeading, but important nonetheless — but subsequent events threaten to squelch those good feelings. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

The pollen is back, the weather is unbearable and the leaves are threatening to do something. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

South Asia’s modern art market has boomed, surpassing $100 million in auction sales in 2025, but a surge in forgeries threatens its growth, the FT wrote. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

But throughout it all, he’s threatened to retire multiple times. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026