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.

The combo of more discounts with higher costs threatens to pressure margins even more.

From The Wall Street Journal

Germany said it would ban gas stations from raising prices more than once a day—they can still lower them as often as they want—and France threatened to fine those found inflating prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

The power cuts are also threatening food and water security.

From The Wall Street Journal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened Anthropic, the maker of Claude AI, that if it doesn’t turn over full use of the powerful tool by Friday, the company will face severe repercussions.

From Los Angeles Times

“The good news about California water infrastructure is it really does take a multi-year drought of significant severity to seriously threaten the actual water supply,” said Swain.

From Los Angeles Times

threaten

Example Sentences

Related Words