threatens

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.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the UN's nuclear agency, condemned the attack and said on X that "military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable".

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

China's campaign of keeping tabs on dissidents around the world is motivated by the belief that criticism threatens the country's stability, said Claire Chu, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Xi also wants the conflict to end, as instability in the Middle East threatens China’s oil supplies and weakens demand for Chinese exports.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

“This is a serious political setback for Labour, but the market issue is whether this threatens fiscal credibility. So far, it does not,” Lale Akoner, global market analyst at eToro, said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

I fight with my lips, trying to press them into a serious and professional frown rather than the grin that threatens to overtake them.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton