threaten crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "threaten crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "threaten crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SCARE: To cause fear or panic in someone.
BULLY: To frighten or hurt a weaker person; to use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.
6 Letters
MENACE: To express an intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage.
COERCE: Persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats.
8 Letters
ENDANGER: To put someone or something at risk or in danger.
BROWBEAT: Intimidate (someone) by a stern or overbearing manner; to bully.
10 Letters
INTIMIDATE: To frighten or overawe someone, especially in order to make them do what one wants.
JEOPARDIZE: To put (someone or something) into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure.
More About "threaten crossword clue"
"Threaten" is a versatile verb in the English language, and thus, a common and interesting clue in crossword puzzles. Its meaning can range from a direct warning of harm to an implied sense of impending danger. In crosswords, clues related to 'threaten' often test your vocabulary for synonyms and nuances. For example, a clue might hint at a physical threat, while another could refer to a threat to one's reputation or a looming economic threat.
Understanding the different contexts in which 'threaten' can be used is key to cracking these clues. Sometimes, the answer might be an action, like 'BULLY' or 'INTIMIDATE'. Other times, it could be a state or a feeling induced, such as 'SCARE' or 'ALARM'. Pay close attention to the wordplay and any descriptive adjectives or adverbs in the clue itself, as they often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For a clue like "threaten," immediately think of words with similar meanings. Consider both direct synonyms (like 'menace', 'intimidate') and more indirect ones (like 'endanger', 'alarm').
- Check Letter Count: Always use the number of letters provided for the answer. This is your most powerful filter. If you have five letters, 'SCARE' is a candidate, but 'INTIMIDATE' (10 letters) is not.
- Analyze Nuance: Crossword clues are often precise. Does "threaten" imply physical harm, emotional intimidation, or simply a warning? Words like "portend" suggest a future, often ominous, event, while "browbeat" implies forceful persuasion.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Once you have a few letters from intersecting words, fill them in. These confirmed letters will significantly narrow down the possibilities for the "threaten" clue, making it much easier to find the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'threaten' used in crossword puzzles?
Common synonyms for 'threaten' include words like MENACE, INTIMIDATE, SCARE, BULLY, and ALARM. Crossword setters often use these to hint at the clue's meaning.
How does the number of letters help solve a 'threaten' clue?
Knowing the letter count is crucial. For instance, if you need a 5-letter word, 'SCARE' or 'BULLY' might fit. If it's 6 letters, 'MENACE' or 'COERCE' could be the answer. Always check the given length against your potential answers.
Are there different contexts for 'threaten' clues in crosswords?
Absolutely. 'Threaten' can refer to a direct act (e.g., 'intimidate'), an implied danger (e.g., 'portend'), or even a non-verbal expression (e.g., 'grimace'). Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that provide context.