1
: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage
2
: one that threatens
3
: an indication of something impending
the sky held a threat of rain
Synonyms
Examples of threat in a Sentence
Noun
He was willing to use violence and threats to get what he wanted.
She ignored their threats and continued to do what she felt was right.
a country under threat of civil war
Recent Examples on the Web
Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Wisconsin needs a threat on the outside to complement Vinny Anthony II.
—Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
On Sunday, the Johnson administration briefed aldermen on city preparations for potential threats to immigrants under Trump.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
When faced with uncertainty, the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats—triggers a fight-or-flight response.
—Tess Brigham, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for threat 
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Noun
Those funds went toward identifying and responding to health emergencies and stopping disease threats from spreading across borders, according to the WHO’s website.
—Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Wisconsin needs a threat on the outside to complement Vinny Anthony II.
—Jesse Temple, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
On Sunday, the Johnson administration briefed aldermen on city preparations for potential threats to immigrants under Trump.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
When faced with uncertainty, the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats—triggers a fight-or-flight response.
—Tess Brigham, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for threat
Dictionary Entries Near threat
Cite this Entry
“Threat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threat. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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