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 Zachary James returns as both Amenhotep III, Akhnaten’s father, and the engaging narrator who occasionally threatens to get carried away. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The striking announcement threatens to upend Missouri’s election season as a roster of Republicans have already launched campaigns based on the map’s boundaries. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026 More than 120 container vessels remain stuck inside the Persian Gulf as war in Iran spills beyond its border and the country threatens to attack ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026 But beneath that surface lies a dangerous gamble — one that threatens not only individual health but also the safety of entire communities. A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026 The conflict also threatens to have a major economic impact across the globe. Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026 Advertisement The war also threatens to disrupt global oil and natural gas supplies. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 Mar. 2026 The deteriorating state of the country’s fiscal balance threatens to extinguish the benefits of America’s strong economy. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 Yet mounting fallout from the Supreme Court’s tariff decision threatens to roll back progress across the region. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatens
endangers
Verb
  • Anything less endangers both American lives and American liberty.
    Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The decision unnecessarily endangers people of all ages and can cause a multitude of injuries.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Threatens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatens. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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