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

Chopper 2 captured footage of NYPD officers suiting up in tactical gear and opening up the package, which was found to be non-threatening. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026

One person was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026

No club is more threatening from throw-ins and no player has taken more long throws (at least 20 metres) in the top flight than Kayode (122). —Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Aberg played in the afternoon when the greens looked more yellow, the wind began to gust and swirl and storm clouds gathered without really threatening. —Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening