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
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Chula Vista police said threats are never taken lightly by the department, and investigating them is a top priority.
—Karen Kucher, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
In cases such as the attack in Zhuhai, Chinese officials view any expression of grief, especially mass grief, as a further threat to social stability, Ong said.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
What Wyler is frowning about, past this threat to her own ambition — that’s less coherent.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for threat 
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Noun
The company identified various risks, including competition, cybersecurity threats, and compliance with international regulations, which could impact its business operations and financial results.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Chula Vista police said threats are never taken lightly by the department, and investigating them is a top priority.
—Karen Kucher, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
In cases such as the attack in Zhuhai, Chinese officials view any expression of grief, especially mass grief, as a further threat to social stability, Ong said.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
What Wyler is frowning about, past this threat to her own ambition — that’s less coherent.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
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 29 Nov. 2024.
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