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
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
Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 20 July 2025
Efforts to recall lawmakers have struggled to go from a mere threat to an actual vote in recent years.
—Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
The carrot: In practice, such a threat may not be necessary.
—Jason Hausenloy, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Under a new state law, property owners whose land is taken by any Washington school district through eminent domain, or the threat of it, will have the opportunity to repurchase the real estate if the project does not come to fruition.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for threat
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Noun
The threat to cancel the recess could push senators to avoid stonewalling appointments.
—Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 20 July 2025
Efforts to recall lawmakers have struggled to go from a mere threat to an actual vote in recent years.
—Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
The carrot: In practice, such a threat may not be necessary.
—Jason Hausenloy, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Under a new state law, property owners whose land is taken by any Washington school district through eminent domain, or the threat of it, will have the opportunity to repurchase the real estate if the project does not come to fruition.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for threat
Cite this Entry
“Threat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threat. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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