THREATENED Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

threatened 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of threatened

as in endangered

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

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

Preventing and responding to threatened pandemics requires society-wide mobilization, and only the president can lead that process. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026 Advertisement Burgum also said that 97% of threatened species are still on the list today—a source of frustration for Republican lawmakers, who say that longstanding habitat protections hamper economic development in their districts. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 19 July 2026

Verb

Navarro threatened in the 33rd minute when Darren Yapi stretched LAFC wide with possession and connected with Navarro on a cross. — Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 Langston testified that Mills threatened to release intimate video that could cost Langston her title. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatened

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatened

Adjective

The peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest bird once pushed to the brink of extinction in the United States, has recovered enough to be taken off the endangered species list.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
The other is a reference to the genre, presented as endangered and in need of saving.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 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

That case left Harry facing a potential bill for millions of pounds after the court ruled the plaintiffs were liable for the publisher’s legal fees.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Their lawsuit against Jones and the 2022 verdict marked the first time he was held financially liable for peddling lies about the massacre, claiming it was faked by the government to tighten gun laws.

— Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of liable

Adjective

The composite score of cumulative impacts reflects communities in Chicago that are most burdened by pollution and most vulnerable to its effects.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Damage to civilian infrastructure, including electricity, water and gas systems, could once again leave millions vulnerable during the harsh winter months, raising fears of a repeat of last winter’s severe conditions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 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

Roaches, rodent droppings and food stored at unsafe temperatures were found at Tarrant County food establishments during the latest round of health inspections, according to the inspection report.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Rights groups ⁠say the crackdown has violated free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities, who have raised concerns about racial profiling.

— Kanishka Singh, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsafe

Adjective

In fact there are a number of herbs, vitamins, and prescription medications that can make your skin especially susceptible to sunburn, including some SSRIs, hypertension medications, and cholesterol-lowering medications.

— Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Child development experts have noted teenagers are more susceptible to social comparison than adults, so products that reward popularity can be more harmful to their mental health.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of susceptible

Adjective

Morgan Stanley said Equinix and Digital Realty are less exposed because their facilities average roughly 5 to 10 megawatts, far below the gigawatt-scale AI campuses planned by hyperscalers and neocloud operators.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
The fact that my life is so exposed is incredibly complex for me.

— Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of exposed

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“Threatened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatened. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of threatened

adjective

verb

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