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

In just a year, Klausner has dissipated the cloud of doubt that was casting a shadow over Dries Van Noten like a threatening storm. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026

Both suffered non-life threatening injuries. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026

Another protective order was filed by his ex-wife’s male coworker, who Culleton was allegedly stalking and threatening. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026

Gemini appeared confused and unpredictable, switching between peaceful signaling and threatening violence, based on the situation. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening