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.

We need to open our minds to the scale of what threatens.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 6, 2026

In this way, the government's crackdown on affordable knockoffs threatens to lock many local customers out of the market.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2026

“Have we reached a point in this city where we are unable to address criminal activity, even when it threatens the right of every resident to be served by the Postal Service?” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

That forces them to reduce exposure to the shares they track, which in turn threatens to pull down stock prices even more.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

A bubble of scary laughter threatens to rise up my throat, and I have to bite my cheek to keep it from coming.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black