threat
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for threat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A statement expressing intent to harm or punish someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use threat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English þrēat, originally meaning "pressure" or "oppression," related to a root meaning "to squeeze or press."
Full origin of threat →Frequently asked questions
What does “threat” mean?
The word “threat” means a statement expressing intent to harm or punish someone. In plain terms, a warning of harm, or something/someone that could cause danger.
How do you pronounce “threat”?
“Threat” is pronounced threht (/θɹɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “threat” in a sentence?
Here is “threat” used in a sentence: “He received a threatening letter warning him to leave town.”
What is another word for “threat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “threat” include intimidation, warning and menace.
What is the opposite of “threat”?
The opposite of “threat” — its antonyms — is protection.
What part of speech is “threat”?
“Threat” is a noun.
Where does the word “threat” come from?
The word “threat” comes from Old English. From Old English þrēat, originally meaning "pressure" or "oppression," related to a root meaning "to squeeze or press.".
Is “threat” a common word?
“Threat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a threat and a warning?
A threat expresses an intention to cause harm or punishment, usually to intimidate or pressure someone. A warning is meant to protect: it alerts a person to a danger so they can avoid it. The key difference is intent — a threat promises harm, while a warning tries to prevent it.
What is the difference between a threat and a risk?
In everyday and security use, a threat is the potential source of harm — the person, action or event that could cause damage. A risk is the likelihood of that harm actually happening and how serious it would be. In short, the threat is the danger; the risk is the exposure to it.
What are the types of threats?
Threats take many forms. They can be verbal or written, direct or implied, and range from personal intimidation to wider dangers such as security, environmental or economic threats. In computing, a 'threat' means anything that could exploit a weakness to damage a system or steal data. Context decides which sense applies.