1
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence
economists warning of a threatening recession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
-
Punk is deeply tied into current main-event storylines with real-life married couple Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, so the impending couples brawl is a great story.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Anthony, the best player in college basketball that season, was clearly set to be a top-three pick in that June's impending 2003 NBA Draft, which also included fellow future Hall of Famers LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Scenes of terror and military might flash on the screen throughout the teaser, overlayed with an ominous monologue about the end times.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The illness prevents her body from producing platelets, leaving her at constant risk of dangerous bleeding.—
Liz Neporent,
ABC News,
26 Aug. 2025
-
But that wasn't the most dangerous thing that happened to me.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Staff often wear hazmat suits due to hazardous conditions.—
Meg Dunn,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Court records show Turnage pleaded guilty on July 31 to involuntary manslaughter and endangering children.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
26 Aug. 2025
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In addition to murder, Tamara Turnage is also charged with endangering children, involuntary manslaughter and failure to report a crime or knowledge of a death.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Saja Boys — the menacing boy band made for the film — has sent a pair of tracks into the Hot 100’s top 10 as well.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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