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.

See Examples For:

threatens

French authorities said that more than 220,000 people have now been evacuated from the main forest fire raging in the southwest of the country that now threatens the city of Bordeaux.

From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026

"Any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated," Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

The decline also threatens organisms across aquatic food webs, from microscopic life to fish and sharks.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

The key risk to the trade is a weakening in sentiment that threatens that M&A cycle, Goldman believes.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

“I’m telling on you guys,” Rabiya finally threatens.

From "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan