threaten

[thret-n] / ˈθrɛt n /

VERB

warn, pressure

Synonyms

STRONGEST

intimidate menace scare

STRONG

abuse admonish augur blackmail bluster browbeat bully caution comminate cow enforce forebode forewarn fulminate growl portend presage pressurize scowl snarl spook terrorize torment

WEAK

flex muscles look daggers make threat push around shake fist at walk heavy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assist help

STRONG

approve commend compliment defend flatter please praise

WEAK

alleviate guard protect relieve save

VERB

endanger

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imperil jeopardize warn

STRONG

advance approach brewing forebode foreshadow frighten impend loom overhang portend presage

WEAK

be dangerous be gathering be imminent be in the air be in the offing be on the horizon come on hang over put at risk put in jeopardy

Antonyms

WEAK

alleviate guard help protect relieve save

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said police had made 12 arrests, "including for showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour".

From Barron's

Iran has lately sought to acquire Chinese supersonic antiship cruise missiles capable of threatening U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf.

From The Wall Street Journal

Strange Bedfellows: Artificial intelligence initially threatened to replace consultants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Petrol retailers labelled the warnings "inflammatory language" and responded by briefly threatening to withdraw from a Downing Street meeting, although they did eventually attend.

From BBC

Scotland threatened, but the hosts were always in control.

From BBC

threaten

Example Sentences

Related Words