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
Sadriu said the bystander was transported to an area hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
The 16-year-old boy driving the other vehicle was taken to Hennepin Healthcare with injuries that were not life-threatening.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
None of the injuries are considered life-threatening.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
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Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
The 16-year-old boy driving the other vehicle was taken to Hennepin Healthcare with injuries that were not life-threatening.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
None of the injuries are considered life-threatening.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 Mar. 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 Apr. 2026.
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