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

Rare but potentially life-threatening, the illness was linked to the consumption of the formula. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 15 June 2026

The idea of using manipulative marketing language to describe something so threatening is insane. —Brent Lang, Variety, 15 June 2026

Ghosts are, for most people, associated with something scary or threatening. —Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

Police said the occupants of the Toyota were taken to the hospital and had injuries that were not life-threatening. —Jose Fabian, CBS News, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening