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

Choosing to vaccinate protects your child and others from serious illnesses that can be life-threatening. —Lauren Gelman, Parents, 21 Nov. 2025

The victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, and he was taken to a hospital, police said. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Nov. 2025

No one on the TARC bus reported injuries, but one man from the passenger vehicle was taken to UofL Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Nov. 2025

Grating anything is usually a knuckle-threatening chore—but this stippled ceramic dish from Japan makes it into its own soothing ritual, turning a brown stem into liquidish gold with a few easy rubs. —The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening