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

Models are in vast disagreement with the timing and the impacts, but none look exceptionally threatening. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

The child was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening. — Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Currents could be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

He was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening