threatening

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

Synonyms of threatening

• impending
• looming
• possible

Examples of threatening in a Sentence

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

Police said her injuries are not considered life-threatening, and no customers were injured. — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Investigators allege that Edwards made multiple threatening phone calls on July 23 to the George County Chancery Clerk’s Office and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating Wells’ death. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

The gunshot victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 31 July 2026

Authorities previously said that Guthrie required daily medication and that missing doses could be life-threatening. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening