1
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence
economists warning of a threatening recession
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
a threatening silence followed the loud thump in the adjoining motel room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
threatening rocks lined that narrow stretch of the river through which we would be rafting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in menacing
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on
the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of threatening
Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025
Noni Madueke was a threatening runner who got at Liverpool and carried the scent of danger.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Police were called to that residence at least four times from 2003 to 2016, including once for a welfare check for an adult female, a sibling, who was threatening suicide in 2014.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Perez-Engel sustained non-life threatening wounds and deputies on scene immediately rendered aid.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2025
Noni Madueke was a threatening runner who got at Liverpool and carried the scent of danger.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
The change, which will go into effect next year, could hobble production, ultimately even threatening the plants’ survival.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Police were called to that residence at least four times from 2003 to 2016, including once for a welfare check for an adult female, a sibling, who was threatening suicide in 2014.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
An impending roadblock is combining with the Senate, whose NDAA version has a topline of $925 billion.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
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But what might motivate the impending path-crossing between Dani and Ridge is less clear, especially in light of Dani and Devon having their own flirty run-in at the tail end of James' time on Beyond the Gates.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
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Headlines about Social Security are equally ominous.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Whatever happens in their final qualifier, against Argentina on Tuesday, La Tri will travel to the World Cup next summer as one of South America’s most dangerous teams.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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To dissidents, she has been seen as a hero putting her life on the line; to Modi’s supporters, as a dangerous subversive who is anti-national and anti-Hindu.—
Anderson Tepper,
The Atlantic,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Normally, that would be a recipe for some edge-of-your-seat action, although Ben Hopkins’ script makes clear early on that the bomb is just a distraction, while an even more sinister plot is ticking within the blast radius.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
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However, when Jess senses something sinister and then mysteriously disappears, Frida must uncover the truth before meeting the same fate.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Staff often wear hazmat suits due to hazardous conditions.—
Meg Dunn,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Though Smith was charged with four counts of assault for scaring and endangering the villagers, troopers did not say he was involved in his mother’s death.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
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He was convicted in October 2022 on six counts first-degree intentional homicide, 61 counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, six counts of hit and run involving death and two counts of bail jumping, all felonies, plus one count of misdemeanor battery.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The bow-sided square manages to harness its own racing legacy, Steve McQueen et al, while still appearing contemporary in its slightly menacing dark suit.—
Thor Svaboe,
Robb Report,
9 Sep. 2025
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If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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