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

• 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

In October 2020, Lauryn and Owen began receiving threatening texts from a series of unknown numbers, which escalated up to 40 to 50 texts a day. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025

Campa Carralero was transported to UofL Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025

Any stable resolution is likely years away, and as untouchable as the pro game may seem, there are versions of college football’s future that look particularly good for the NFL, and versions that look more threatening. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2025

His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening