hover (over)

as in to threaten
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on after the first big layoff, the possibility of losing their jobs hovered over all of the factory's workers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hover (over)
threaten
Verb
  • His charges include three instances of misdemeanors of battery, exhibiting a deadly weapon and threatening to commit a crime with the intent to terrorize.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • Aside from Apple and WhatsApp leading a legal challenge, other communications firms have threatened to leave the U.K. altogether if they are forced to break encryption.
    Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Hover (over).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hover%20%28over%29. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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