threatening

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adjective

threat·​en·​ing ˈthret-niŋ 

ˈthre-tᵊn-iŋ

: expressing or suggesting a threat of harm, danger, etc.

received a threatening message

a threatening manner

: indicating or suggesting the approach of possible trouble or danger

saw threatening clouds on the horizon

threateningly

ˈthret-niŋ-lē, 

ˈthre-tᵊn-iŋ- 

adverb

gestured threateningly

threatening

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present participle of threaten

Synonyms of threatening

Adjective

• impending
• looming
• possible

Examples of threatening in a Sentence

Adjective

economists warning of a threatening recession

a threatening silence followed the loud thump in the adjoining motel room

threatening rocks lined that narrow stretch of the river through which we would be rafting

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Police said his injury did not appear to be life-threatening, and he was taken to a nearby hospital. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026

You can also be charged with election fraud if you’re caught buying votes, adding invalid ballots to dropoff boxes and threatening, intimidating or interfering with voters, according to Werksman Jackson Quinn and Mason LLP. — Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026

The first is Candida auris, a fungus that can cause anything from mild skin infections to severe, and potentially life-threatening, bloodstream infections. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

An Illinois man is facing federal charges for allegedly sending threatening letters containing a white substance to four members of Congress. — Violet Jira, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening