threatens

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 The government shutdown threatens that economic output, and according to Schroeder, almost all service members are at serious threat of missing a paycheck if the shutdown extends into mid-November, worsening the situation. Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2025 The move also threatens to make the United States an increasing outlier regarding efforts to lower emissions globally and fight back against climate change, possibly leading to geopolitical shifts. Nick Thomas, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025 The crisis threatens food security, regional stability and migration, making international aid and partnerships vital. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 The federal government shutdown, now in its fifth week, and the ensuing pause in CalFresh funding threatens to halt food benefits beginning Saturday for nearly 270,000 residents. Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025 With the government shutdown now entering its 30th day, the looming suspension of federal food benefits in November threatens to leave millions of Americans at risk of going hungry. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 In Frozen Empire, an ancient artifact threatens to unleash a second Ice Age and two generations of Ghostbusters must unite to save humankind from this curse and other spectral forces. Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 The dispute over the search for Israeli hostage bodies that remain in Gaza threatens to impact the fragile ceasefire. Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Oct. 2025 However, access remains in short supply, and San Diego families face a critical crisis that threatens both economic mobilityand child development. Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatens
endangers
Verb
  • The organization warned Monday that the storm endangers communities already grappling with poverty, inequality, violence, and recent disasters—factors that could complicate recovery efforts.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Salmon Run, by Alejandra López, tells the story of a Puerto Rican mother working in a salmon-factory in urban Los Angeles whose friend disappears, and her hunt for answers leads her into a corruption that endangers many lives.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Threatens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatens. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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