threatening

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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

threatening

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present participle of threaten

Synonyms of threatening

Adjective

• impending
• looming
• possible

Examples of threatening in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Northville High School says classes will resume on Wednesday after a threatening phone call on Tuesday prompted a lockdown. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Allen said she was seriously injured but her injuries were not life-threatening. — Gershon Harrell, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026

Around the same time, Meridian Police responded to a local hospital after a 15-year-old shooting victim was being treated for injuries initially considered to be serious, but were not life-threatening. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026

Two people were shot and a third injured while trying to escape a shooting Thursday at Des Moines’ main post office; none of the injuries were believed life-threatening. — Hannah Fingerhut, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening