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
Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2024
Spotting threats to vulnerable natural areas has become a mission for Melissa Rohde, a hydrologist who has spent years analyzing satellite data and water levels in wells to come up with strategies for preventing ecosystems from being left high and dry.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for threat 
Noun
Provided you're not deemed a security threat, you'll be given a redress number to add to your airline bookings, which will help smooth out your airport security experience in the future.
—Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2024
Spotting threats to vulnerable natural areas has become a mission for Melissa Rohde, a hydrologist who has spent years analyzing satellite data and water levels in wells to come up with strategies for preventing ecosystems from being left high and dry.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for threat
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'threat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near threat
Cite this Entry
“Threat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threat. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
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