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
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
An employee was shot and fled to a nearby home before being taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
—
Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
With her husband literally (and figuratively) at sea, Linda tries to cope with the needs of her patients while caring for a child whose inability to eat has become life-threatening.
—Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Another protective order was filed by his ex-wife’s male coworker, whom police report Culleton was allegedly stalking and threatening.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Their injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, but no further information on the nature or severity of the injuries was available, Kelley said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
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Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
With her husband literally (and figuratively) at sea, Linda tries to cope with the needs of her patients while caring for a child whose inability to eat has become life-threatening.
—Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Another protective order was filed by his ex-wife’s male coworker, whom police report Culleton was allegedly stalking and threatening.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Their injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, but no further information on the nature or severity of the injuries was available, Kelley said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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