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

Her threatening remarks set off a criminal investigation and national security concerns. —Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

In rare cases, Asamoah says a colon cleanse could puncture your bowel, which may cause a severe infection or even be life-threatening. —Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026

All four were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 11 May 2026

Only centre-back William Saliba completed more passes than the 19-year-old, while he was involved in the most possession sequences, jumping from space to space in midfield and knitting together Arsenal’s most threatening passing moves. —Ayo Akinwolere, New York Times, 10 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening