threatened 1 of 2

Definition of threatenednext

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
Taken together, the two measures highlight a growing tension in a state that prides itself on stewardship of the environment, as policymakers aim to protect threatened or endangered animals while also keeping people, pets and livestock safe. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 In an attempt to save the threatened ecosystem, the Florida government hosts an annual competition to remove invasive pythons from the Everglades. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 May 2026
Verb
Fin whales are an endangered species that is particularly threatened by vessel strikes. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 22 June 2026 Thunderstorms also threatened regions in Germany and Poland. Oleg Cetinic, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatened
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatened
Adjective
  • The zoo opened in 1997 and hosts a breeding program for the endangered clouded leopard.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2026
  • Cruz asserted that the fleet causes environmental damage and threatens endangered wildlife.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
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
Adjective
  • Samsung had previously been found liable in a similar trademark case in 2022, also filed in London, involving third-party apps on its smartwatches.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 June 2026
  • In Raney’s view, if the AI misses important context in a bodycam video that could clear someone of wrongdoing, and an officer fails to review it, their department could be held liable.
    Noah Daly June 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Key industries like agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the power grid are structurally vulnerable to water scarcity and extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change.
    Kelly Fleming, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The gang members and associates allegedly focused on recruiting vulnerable minor girls and young women, many of whom came from broken homes or had fallen through the foster care system, Essayli said Wednesday.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
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
Adjective
  • Green means habitable, yellow means moderately damaged, and red signifies that the building is unsafe.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Prosecutors allege prolonged neglect According to charging documents cited by WNEM-TV5, prosecutors allege Casper was immobile, was not provided proper medical care or adequate nutrition, and was forced to live in unsafe conditions before his death.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to Martin Velasquez, a Yuma Proving Ground team lead, earlier CROWS variants were too large for the platform, did not meet transport requirements, and were susceptible to damage during sustained firing.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026
  • Since the 1970s, engineers have known that concrete buildings are particularly susceptible to earthquakes and seek to reinforce new construction with steel.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some lenders are more exposed than others.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • The outer layers of the star will eventually cool and disperse, leaving a nebula of ex-stellar material surrounding the sun's core, which will then become an exposed cooling stellar remnant called a white dwarf.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Threatened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatened. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on threatened

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster