threatened
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for threatened, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — At risk of being harmed or becoming endangered.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use threatened
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “threatened” mean?
The word “threatened” means at risk of being harmed or becoming endangered. In plain terms, at risk of harm, or feeling unsafe and insecure.
How do you pronounce “threatened”?
“Threatened” is pronounced THREHT-nd (/ˈθɹɛt.n̩d/ in IPA).
How do you use “threatened” in a sentence?
Here is “threatened” used in a sentence: “The tiger is classified as a threatened species.”
What part of speech is “threatened”?
“Threatened” is an adjective.
Is “threatened” a common word?
“Threatened” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “threatened” have?
“Threatened” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at risk of being harmed or becoming endangered.
What is the difference between 'threatened' and 'threatening'?
'Threatened' describes something that is at risk of harm, or someone who feels insecure or vulnerable. 'Threatening' describes something that poses or expresses a threat, such as a threatening gesture, so the two are opposite in direction.
What is the difference between 'threatened' and 'endangered'?
'Threatened' means at risk of being harmed or of becoming endangered, so it is a broader, earlier stage. 'Endangered' means seriously at risk of dying out, and in conservation it is a specific, more severe status than 'threatened'.
What is the difference between feeling 'threatened' and feeling 'intimidated'?
Feeling 'threatened' means feeling insecure, unsafe, or vulnerable, as if you or something you value is at risk. Feeling 'intimidated' is more specific and means feeling frightened or overawed by someone or something, often into holding back.
When do you say someone feels 'threatened'?
You say someone feels 'threatened' when they sense a risk to their safety, status, or security, whether or not any real danger is present. It captures the emotional response of insecurity and vulnerability rather than a physical injury.