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

During the chaos, a 22-year-old soldier reportedly suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung, though officials said his injuries were not life-threatening. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

The sheriff's office said his injuries were not life-threatening. —Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 1 June 2026

Both the trooper and the driver of the vehicle, Lucas Gustavo Brajak DeAlmeida Benedetto, were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026

Officers working at the park called for fire medics, who took the woman to Regions Hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. —Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening