Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for threaten. Search instead for lehrheften.
Definitions

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.

Bank of America lowered its 2026 estimates on Wednesday, flagging risks of “a little stagflation” and noting that high oil prices could threaten consumer spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Combined, these threaten to cause major disruption in the asset class.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

But the significance of these cases runs deeper: They threaten the legal architecture that has allowed Big Tech to reap trillions of dollars in profits with little risk of consequence in court.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Private credit markets are on that watchlist, he said, though he sees no signs yet of the kind of contagion that would threaten the system at large.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Finally, Jordan would be in a place where he could no longer threaten them.

From "Forged by Fire" by Sharon M. Draper