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
Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
While markets have rallied following the election, the risk of inflation persists amid threats of tariffs and deportation policies.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Using the threat of tariffs to get another country to open market access for certain industries is one thing.
—The Editors, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024
The show, which followed five teenage girls who begin to receive threats from an anonymous person, also starred Lucy Hale and Janel Parrish in main roles.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for threat 
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Noun
New York law enforcement officials and U.S. Capitol Police responded to the threat immediately, Stefanik's office said.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
While markets have rallied following the election, the risk of inflation persists amid threats of tariffs and deportation policies.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Using the threat of tariffs to get another country to open market access for certain industries is one thing.
—The Editors, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024
The show, which followed five teenage girls who begin to receive threats from an anonymous person, also starred Lucy Hale and Janel Parrish in main roles.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 27 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 1 Dec. 2024.
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