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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.

Discontent among the Poles already threatens to overshadow an upcoming conference on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction scheduled later this month in the northern Polish city of Gdansk.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

In fact, this Ebola outbreak threatens to be the worst in history.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Looming El Niño shock threatens to drive up global commodity prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Starlink, SpaceX’s main revenue driver, threatens telecom firms.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

But I always hear myself displacing the two languages, conflating them—maybe conflagrating them—for there’s so much rubbing and friction, a fire always threatens to blow up between the tongues.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee