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.

Chiefly written by band leader RM, it's a song about surrendering to the currents of life and moving forward, even when the tide threatens to pull you under.

From BBC

Albanese later told media he was welcomed by most of the 30,000-plus crowd at the mosque - which has been the target of several threatening letters in recent months.

From BBC

"Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened," said policing minister Sarah Jones.

From BBC

The response of bond markets to the risk of higher inflation threatens to add billions to the costs of already-indebted countries.

From BBC

The lawyer didn’t buy the answer, charging that the moat was Live Nation’s alleged practice of threatening venues into using Ticketmaster to secure the best concerts.

From The Wall Street Journal

threaten

Example Sentences

Related Words