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

Schmidt was charged with three misdemeanors, including second-degree terroristic threatening, disorderly conduct and attempting to influence a public servant, the report states. — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026

And then, in the 93rd minute, after 100 consecutive (and non-threatening) passes, after more than five minutes of time-sapping possession, Algeria suddenly broke forward and scored! — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

The passenger’s injuries were not considered life-threatening. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026

Three men, ages 20, 21 and 22, with non-life threatening injuries, also went to a different hospital for treatment. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening