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

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Recent Examples of threatens Marie’s secret past threatens to catch up with her, and she is forced to do everything in her power to preserve her new status as lady of the house in post-war anarchy. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, a memory chip shortage threatens to squeeze its margins, its revenue growth is slowing, and even longtime Apple fans admit the maker of aspirational tech has lost some of its product design mojo. Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Zambia’s main opposition leader was charged with treason and flown under armed guard to a maximum-security prison in a case that threatens to taint Lusaka’s image as a relatively stable southern African democracy. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The suit alleges his punishment threatens a doctorate seven years in the making and two quarters from completion. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Desertification, a process where vegetation recedes because of high heat and low rainfall, threatens much of the Great Hungarian Plain. ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 After the first season’s multiverse chaos, the Dessens attempt to settle in a seemingly safe reality while Jason’s obsession with the Box threatens to drag the family straight back into trouble. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 If a bear keeps approaching, use bear spray – it is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. Mike Snider, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 The merger threatens to push production further abroad amid an already ongoing exodus, as well as to other states with cushy tax incentives. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatens
endangers
Verb
  • But the department has been running into opposition by landowners, environmental groups, Native American tribes and others who argue that the rapid construction endangers environmental and religious sites and a way of life along the border.
    Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Refusing to do so, Luis stirs a rivalry and potentially endangers his own employment.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Threatens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatens. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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