threatens

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warn, pressure v.
endanger v.

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.

See Examples For:

threatens

Hurricane Simon lashed Mexico's Pacific coast with severe winds and heavy rain on Monday, as it threatens to make landfall this week, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026

Taking orders is part of the job, certainly; trying to do it while the rest of the restaurant threatens to unravel is another matter.

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

The education crisis is symptomatic of this but also threatens to act as an accelerant.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Any moment that threatens to turn to cliché, turns another way.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

The heat is horrible, but worse than the heat is the smoke, which threatens to suffocate me at any moment.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins