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
Relevance
1
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence
economists warning of a threatening recession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
a threatening silence followed the loud thump in the adjoining motel room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
threatening rocks lined that narrow stretch of the river through which we would be rafting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in menacing
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.
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Recent Examples of threaten
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
Officials have grown increasingly concerned since Anthropic warned earlier this year that its Mythos model was adept at finding software flaws in a way that could be weaponized by malicious hackers and threaten critical computer networks around the world.
—
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2026
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
22 June 2026
Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2026
But while the immediate crisis appears to be easing, analysts warn the political and economic tensions threatening Bolivia’s stability remain far from resolved.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threaten
Verb
Progressives cite its emphasis on the dignity of work and workers, and on the need for government to regulate working conditions that threaten this dignity.
—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
Officials have grown increasingly concerned since Anthropic warned earlier this year that its Mythos model was adept at finding software flaws in a way that could be weaponized by malicious hackers and threaten critical computer networks around the world.
—
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2026
Adjective
The driver, the only person in the vehicle wearing a seatbelt, sustained non-life threatening injuries, the State Patrol said.
—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
22 June 2026
Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Verb
If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
—
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2026
But while the immediate crisis appears to be easing, analysts warn the political and economic tensions threatening Bolivia’s stability remain far from resolved.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threaten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threaten
Verb
-
The zoo called Nangka's birth a major achievement for the genetic diversity and conservation of the species, which is critically endangered.
-
Court records show Pawnell faces charges including second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.
Verb
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Centuries later, Zarkon continues to menace the universe.
-
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.
Cite this Entry
“Threaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threaten. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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