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

Ingesting larger amounts of plastic can lead to an intestinal obstruction or blockage, which can be life-threatening. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 6 Dec. 2025

Not a threatening level yet, but also not far from breaking above an 11-month downtrend line. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025

Both drivers — the officer, who was not named, and another adult — were alert as they were taken to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. —Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025

Their injuries were not life-threatening, police said in a news release. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening