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 Trump threatened earlier this year to fire Powell, but eventually backed off after his advisers warned him that doing so could spark extreme volatility in financial markets, CNN previously reported. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025 Even as its forces prepared to launch a full-scale offensive into Gaza City, several long-standing supporters of Israel — including Australia, Canada, France and the UK — are threatening to recognize a Palestinian state, joining nearly 150 other nations. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025 Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has threatened to block mergers if companies don't eliminate DEI programs. ArsTechnica, 16 Sep. 2025 Continue reading … MAKING AMENDS – Shia LaBeouf reveals threatening Trump supporter Jon Voight with 'fist fight' over politics. FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for threaten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threaten
Verb
  • Over time, these substances may infiltrate groundwater, creating serious long-term health concerns, degrading habitats, and endangering communities that rely on those resources.
    Michaela Rychetska, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Children and attendees nearby were also endangered, the charging document noted.
    Adam Sabes , Julia Bonavita , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Receivers Chris Marshall and Ben Ford menaced the Eagles’ secondary, and No. 3 running back Dylan Riley tore through the defense the same way Gaines did.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • While much higher than pre-Trump, that number is down from the 30% level being menaced by the U.S.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Threaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threaten. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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