THREATENED Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

threatened 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of threatened

as in endangered

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Dissimilar Words

threatened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of threaten

as in menaced

to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 threatened

Adjective

Taken together, the two measures highlight a growing tension in a state that prides itself on stewardship of the environment, as policymakers aim to protect threatened or endangered animals while also keeping people, pets and livestock safe. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 North Carolina’s beaches are a nesting ground for multiple species of threatened or endangered sea turtles, including loggerheads, greens, Kemp’s ridleys, leatherbacks and hawksbills, federal officials say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026

Verb

Israel killed top leaders in Iran’s military and government during the war — and has threatened the life of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as well. — Nasser Karimi, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Keeping the rescue open has been a challenge Even as wounds from the COVID era began to heal, Gordon said tariffs threatened any progress the rescue was able to make. — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatened

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatened

Adjective

The zoo opened in 1997 and hosts a breeding program for the endangered clouded leopard.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2026
Cruz asserted that the fleet causes environmental damage and threatens endangered wildlife.

— Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of endangered

Verb

He was menaced in the English countryside last month by a man shouting at him from 50 yards away, according to British outlet The Telegraph.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026
The little people are being menaced by a dark force—a force with power, money, and very few moral inhibitions.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026

Definition of menaced

Adjective

The Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal in the case, seeking to determine whether federal law bars states from holding a company liable for failing to include a warning that the EPA reviewed and chose not to require.

— Sarah J. Morath, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
My records show that pike are liable to begin a feeding spree anytime during the day.

— Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026

Definition of liable

Adjective

Key industries like agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the power grid are structurally vulnerable to water scarcity and extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change.

— Kelly Fleming, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
The gang members and associates allegedly focused on recruiting vulnerable minor girls and young women, many of whom came from broken homes or had fallen through the foster care system, Essayli said Wednesday.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of vulnerable

Adjective

Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos, lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California.

— Mariah Meek, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
There are many issues in the last year that show the commission needs a change at the top, including the Florida black bear hunt and the recent failure of the commissioners to fully, completely and finally stop the capture of wild imperiled and threatened marine life for exhibit.

— Joe Murphy, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026

Definition of imperiled

Adjective

It is considered unsafe to swim in the rivers for at least 48 hours after a storm.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 5 July 2026
As repair and evaluation work continues following major breaks in the Haverhill sewer line over a week ago, a nonprofit’s testing is still showing unsafe levels of fecal bacteria downstream in the Merrimack River.

— Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026

Definition of unsafe

Adjective

However, people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to infection.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Cooking Oils Cooking oils high in unsaturated fats, such as olive, walnut, and flaxseed oils, are among the pantry items most susceptible to heat damage.

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026

Definition of susceptible

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“Threatened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatened. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of threatened

adjective

verb

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