The word "comminate" means to threaten or warn of punishment. It is a somewhat archaic term that is not frequently used in modern English. However, there are several synonyms that may be used in place of comminate to convey a similar meaning. Some of these include admonish, censure, rebuke, reprimand, caution, menace, intimidate, and warn. Each of these words conveys a sense of the speaker urging or warning someone to avoid negative consequences, and they can be used in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to law and politics. However, each word also has its own specific connotations and nuances, so choosing the right synonym depends on the intended tone and context of the message.