Synonyms of threatens

threatens

verb

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

• endangers
• menaces
• hangs (over)
• jeopardizes
• hovers (over)
• imperils
• impends (over)
• overhangs
• hazards
• perils

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of threatens

Meanwhile, Hollywood unions have also expressed reservations, or outright opposition, to the deal, warning that further industry consolidation threatens thousands of jobs. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 July 2026

Still, the absence of Graham and McConnell threatens to complicate committee work and floor action at a moment when time is already scarce. — Nik Popli, Time, 13 July 2026

Oil threatens to spoil the market rally … again The Iran war returned to Wall Street's doorstep last week, illustrating the fragility of the interim peace agreement between Washington and Tehran. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 11 July 2026

Environmental groups said the plan threatens springs and local wildlife, since six pumps would need to be built in desert tortoise habitats. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

The order threatens violators with confiscation, destruction of their devices and punishment (which are not specified). — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 10 July 2026

The letter threatens the criminal prosecution of any state election official who knowingly leaves noncitizens on their voter rolls or allows even a single non-citizen to receive or cast a ballot counted in a federal election. — Katherine Gregg, The Providence Journal, 10 July 2026

Will Oscar and guild voters want to throw their weight behind a movie that lambastes the very technology that threatens their existence? — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 July 2026

Critics, including scientific and patient advocacy groups, warn this threatens scientific integrity, research, and innovation. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026