THREATENED Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

threatened 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of threatened

as in endangered

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threatened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of threaten

as in menaced

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 threatened

Adjective

The plaintiffs stressed that the detention center had been put in a freshwater wetland near Everglades National Park, a pristine ecosystem inhabited by dozens of threatened or endangered species and not far from a Miccosukee village. — Eric Schlosser, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026 North Carolina’s beaches are a nesting ground for multiple species of threatened or endangered sea turtles, including loggerheads, greens, Kemp’s ridleys, leatherbacks and hawksbills, federal officials say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026

Verb

The storms and flooding this time threatened multiple counties close to the Mexico border and in the Hill Country near San Antonio. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 Trump had threatened to fire Powell, and his administration launched a criminal investigation into the then-Fed chair. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatened

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatened

Adjective

The nonprofit serves as a de facto pro bono law firm for endangered species, with clients as diverse as polar bears in the Arctic and skinks in the Florida Keys.

— Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
As Kebbel sees it, Aquamarine encapsulates an endangered genre of entertainment — the kind made for the girls who, like Hailey and Claire, are making the transition from childhood to teendom.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Definition of endangered

Verb

He was menaced in the English countryside last month by a man shouting at him from 50 yards away, according to British outlet The Telegraph.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
The little people are being menaced by a dark force—a force with power, money, and very few moral inhibitions.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026

Definition of menaced

Adjective

The charges will make the accused liable to a prison sentence of between three months and four years and a fine if found guilty, Denmark's foreign ministry announced Friday.

— GRANT PECK, Arkansas Online, 17 July 2026
If your shop collects customer data online, cyber liability insurance could be a smart move to guard against cyber attacks, data breaches and other situations where you could be held liable for exposing information.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Definition of liable

Adjective

Unlike wealthy nations with the reserves and infrastructure to buffer the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, import-dependent economies are more vulnerable to immediate, cascading supply chain shocks.

— Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Adopted by the Atlanta City Council this spring, the initiative offers a framework to hold the city accountable for protecting workers’ rights and address the needs of vulnerable populations, among other goals, during World Cup games.

— DeAsia Paige, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos, lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California.

— Mariah Meek, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
There are many issues in the last year that show the commission needs a change at the top, including the Florida black bear hunt and the recent failure of the commissioners to fully, completely and finally stop the capture of wild imperiled and threatened marine life for exhibit.

— Joe Murphy, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026

Definition of imperiled

Adjective

Officials said the structure remains unsafe, and the county's 150-foot safety perimeter around the building will stay in place.

— Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Bloomfield says they might get shipped overseas to places where recycling is done in unsafe and dirty conditions.

— Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 July 2026

Definition of unsafe

Adjective

Each saw human nature as susceptible to corruption by base impulses and self-interest.

— Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
FODMAPs get fermented by colonic bacteria, producing gas and causing bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms in susceptible individuals.

— Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 July 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

Daniel Bertoni, Argentina vs Netherlands, 1978 Two-goal Mario Kempes surges from deep, tries a one-two with Bertoni, only for the latter to get in the way, deny Kempes his hat-trick and score himself past an exposed Jongbloed.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
An inexpensive, heavy-duty net protects the exposed back sides.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

Definition of exposed

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“Threatened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatened. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of threatened

adjective

verb

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