threatens

Definition of threatensnext
present tense third-person singular of threaten
as in endangers
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 threatens Drought threatens the existence of the Western cowboy. Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026 Industry analysts say the agreement threatens to undermine business confidence in the United States by exerting unprecedented executive power to influence the private sector. Michael Copley, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026 But the instinct to seek security in more regulation threatens to reinforce the very barriers that hold workers back. Edward Timmons, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026 In the texts, the scammer threatens vehicle impoundment, license suspension and a warrant for arrest being issued unless money is sent to them. Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Mar. 2026 That elevated cost threatens to offset larger tax refunds this season, depending on how long the Iran conflict lasts, some experts say. Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 In addition, private equity has recently poured money into the software sector, right as AI now threatens to erode their business models. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026 One of them now threatens to blow up the biggest federal housing legislation in three decades. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2026 Losing sight of that for even a moment carries a cost that threatens not just the forest and the trees, but the men who can’t see the women caught between them. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatens
endangers
Verb
  • This type of disorientation endangers Judeo-Christian civilization.
    Calev Myers, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Anything less endangers both American lives and American liberty.
    Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Threatens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatens. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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