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 injuries were not considered life-threatening. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026

In blocking the subsequent petition Tuesday, court referee Elizabeth Clysdale said there was no evidence the July text was intended in a threatening manner or that there was a sustained pattern of intrusive behavior. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026

Her injuries are non life-threatening. —David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Jan. 2026

Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, is accused of making threatening comments on Disney’s Instagram page on July 12, 2025, the same day Vance and his family visited the park. —City News Service, Oc Register, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening