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

This is the ability to reframe thoughts and physical signs that could be interpreted as anxiety in a less threatening way. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

The man was taken to a hospital with injuries police believed to be not life-threatening. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Chris has such a sinister view of the world, so seeing this girl come in and truly embody kindness, and that being enough to give her power, is so threatening to Chris’ identity. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

The day after the accident, Fleig’s injury was determined to be serious but not life-threatening, the same outlet said. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening