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.

Appeared in the January 12, 2026, print edition as 'DOJ Threatens To Indict The Fed'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

Threatens to come back inside, opens up some space on the outside, and surges into it.

From The Guardian • Sep. 15, 2018

A one-man standup special, “Whatever Threatens You,” produced and directed by comedian Louis C.K., appeared in 2016.

From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2018

Sarah Chayes, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, is author of “Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security,” which won the 2016 L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2017

Should you ch-chance to glance at me, Threatens my security.

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar