Definition of threatennext
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 Continue reading … PRESS FREEDOM TEST — $800-a-day penalty threatens to bleed investigative reporter dry as explosive legal fight escalates. — FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 That one summer evening threatened to slice straight through his precarious status. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026 The purpose for putting the data centers underwater—heat shedding—also threatens the whales. — Ryan Green, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026 He is charged with sending false information and mailing threatening communications. — Violet Jira, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threaten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threaten
Verb
  • The Dallas Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing, endangered 13-year-old girl, who hasn't been seen in nearly a week.
    — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Bright Saver is trying to get UL Solutions, the main certifier, to exempt solar kits under 360 watts, which many experts agree produce too little power to endanger the grid or overwhelm a home’s wiring.
    — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The total allotments to the three downstream states could be cut by as much as 40% through 2036, menacing their economies and communities.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The real, long-term threat there is that a stronger Russia would be even better positioned to menace the rest of Europe.
    — Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Threaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threaten. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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