Thesaurus results for THREATEN

threaten

verb

ˈthre-tᵊn

Definition of threaten

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

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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 threaten Back in Utah, the limits of loyalty are tested as fame, secrets and backlash threaten #MomTok — with every blowup making headlines. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The same month, Meta threatened to pull its apps out of New Mexico entirely rather than comply with the state court order that Torrez’s office won. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Despite the tough talk, Beijing has seen the US threaten – and then back off from – sweeping sanctions before. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Those authorities have said Marquez previously had a romantic relationship with Alvarez Ayala’s son, Francisco, who threatened her after their relationship ended. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threaten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threaten

Verb

Mandating malnutrition reporting could increase the need for dietitians in already understaffed hospitals, or create overwhelming caseloads that could endanger patients and heighten the risk of RD burnout.

— Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
The possibility that the shooter endangered thousands of people at the rally is also an important distinction under Utah law.

— Bill Chappell, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of endanger

Verb

Top stories California’s coast is under siege A rare convergence of a powerful El Niño, super king tides and sea level rise spurred by climate change could menace California with record coastal flooding this winter.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Dennis Hopper won a Best Villain MTV Movie Award for menacing a bus in this film.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of menace

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threat

threaten

threatened

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“Threaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threaten. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of threaten

verb

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