as in to endanger
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on
the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of threaten
Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential.
—
The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
Two major wildfires in southeastern Georgia continued to threaten homes and lives, with the Highway 82 Fire destroying at least 87 homes — the most in state wildfire history.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Even ordinary hierarchy can begin to feel psychologically threatening in a culture that treats discomfort itself as a problem.
—Jonathan Alpert Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
The petition alleged, in part, that McFadden threatened Cunningham ahead of the veto vote.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threaten
The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
Two major wildfires in southeastern Georgia continued to threaten homes and lives, with the Highway 82 Fire destroying at least 87 homes — the most in state wildfire history.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Even ordinary hierarchy can begin to feel psychologically threatening in a culture that treats discomfort itself as a problem.
—Jonathan Alpert Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
The petition alleged, in part, that McFadden threatened Cunningham ahead of the veto vote.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threaten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threaten
Verb
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The police department said body camera footage has already helped lead to charges against a driver accused of endangering a crossing guard and children.—
Madeleine Wright,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
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Israel had said ban was necessary Initially, Israel said the ban was necessary because foreign journalists allowed into Gaza could give away the positions of Israeli soldiers and endanger them.—
Deepti Hajela,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Santiago was charged with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
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What mattered more than his terseness was that Norris was allowed to land a few meaningful blows against the usually untouchable Lee, who stars as Tang Lung, a fighter summoned to defend a restaurant owner menaced by a crime boss.—
Chris Klimek,
The Atlantic,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threaten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threaten. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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