THREAT Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

threat

noun

ˈthret

Definition of threat

as in danger

something that may cause injury or harm terrorism is a threat to the safety of people everywhere

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of threat Alcaraz defused the threat with a delicate drop shot before taking the set with a commanding tiebreak. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 The 27-year-old faces a charge of capital murder of a person under 10 years old, evading arrest with a vehicle and terroristic threat against a peace officer, according to court records. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026 According to the news release, a second alarm was called for more firefighters and equipment because of the size of the fire and threat to other businesses. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026 The message said officials determined the threat was not credible. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threat

Noun

While such cardiovascular dangers are real, Harvard Medical School experts say there's no scientifically valid evidence behind the common belief that caffeine can stunt a person's growth.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Gavin Francis From its origins in the classical physique and homoerotic spectacle, bodybuilding today often involves the use of steroids whose dangers are not properly understood.

— Conor Heffernan, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of danger

Noun

Jay cites the scene in which Tommy DeVito (played by Joe Pesci) threatens Billy Batts (Frank Vincent) with increasingly outrageous acts of violence, turning the mobster’s menace into dark comedy.

— John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2026
The Lakers have watched Reaves grow up, from a surprising bit player in 2021-22 to a multifaceted menace who last season scored 51 points one game, dished 16 assists in another, and had others with 11 rebounds and four steals.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of menace

Noun

Applicants can expect checks into their identity, source of funds, finances and assets, jurisdictional risk, as well as their criminal, reputational, and immigration history.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Thirteen are rated at very high risk or in default, and 23 have no rating from the big agencies, which cuts them from international bond markets.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of risk

Noun

If an Iranian missile kills large numbers of Americans or an Iranian attack shuts down critical Gulf infrastructure, the United States might opt to finally use ground forces or destroy Iran’s electric grid, putting the regime in peril.

— Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026
Many in the industry pointed to that hack as an example of the perils of the rapid pace of AI developments and capabilities.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of peril

Browse Nearby Words

thready

threat

threaten

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“Threat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threat. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of threat

noun

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