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

Their wounds were not life-threatening. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026

In two separate encounters on Monday, the Israeli air force struck and killed Hezbollah militants that the military said approached its troops in a threatening way. —Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Consuming the contents of jars could be ​life-threatening, HiPP said. —Reuters, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026

The women are in critical condition, Arceneaux added, and the teenager has non-life threatening injuries. —Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening