threatens

Jump To:

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

The overexploitation of parrotfish and other groupers threatens 63 percent of coral reef ecosystems.

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026

These are the things that we stay alive for, and well, that’s exactly what AI threatens to rob from the human race.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

It creates a “supply-side risk that threatens to reduce crop yields,” said Roukaya Ibrahim, chief commodity strategist at BCA Research.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026

The police cannot shoot a fleeing suspect unless the suspect’s conduct threatens death or serious injury to the officer or others.

From Slate ● Oct. 19, 2026

A nurse comes with a cart that threatens to have more food on it.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word