Synonyms of threaten

threaten

verb

ˈthre-tᵊn 

as in to endanger

to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on

the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline

Synonyms & Similar Words

• endanger
• menace
• hang (over)
• jeopardize
• imperil
• hover (over)
• impend (over)
• overhang
• hazard
• peril

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of threaten

The review was prompted in part by JPMorgan’s move in March to mark down large swaths of loans in private credit portfolios, particularly those to software companies threatened by AI, the people said. — Ellen Dimauro, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Something threatening becomes funny, someone powerful becomes vulnerable, a ridiculous situation begins to feel alarmingly real. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Ukraine has a similar arsenal threatening the Russian forces that are dug in on the other side of the line. — Greg Myre, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026

As new allegiances form, friendships are tested, and a shocking revelation threatens the very existence of the firm. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026