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

His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2026

Police say the victim was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital with injuries that are non-life-threatening. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Analysts have questioned the weapon's utility, and its deployment appeared to be the Kremlin's latest attempt to send a threatening message to Kyiv and the West with peace talks stalled. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026

If someone sends unwanted or threatening messages, keep a record of the interactions, Tate said. —Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening