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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of threatening
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
At least three people are hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries following a series of crashes on Interstate 264 between Breckenridge and Browns lanes, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Aaron Ellis said.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
The state can fairly easily police the requirement that Max be installed on new phones by threatening phone companies that don’t comply or even jailing their executives.
—Justin Sherman, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Both conditions can become serious or even life-threatening when not treated properly.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
At least three people are hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries following a series of crashes on Interstate 264 between Breckenridge and Browns lanes, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Aaron Ellis said.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Flooding will extend inland from the waterfront threatening some homes and businesses.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
The state can fairly easily police the requirement that Max be installed on new phones by threatening phone companies that don’t comply or even jailing their executives.
—Justin Sherman, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
The contention over Bad Bunny's impending performance at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show roils on.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Oct. 2025
-
An impending federal ruling is expected to strip Texas DACA recipients of their work authorizations, impacting tens of thousands of people in the state.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Several stories account for the ominous name of the stark, forbidding mountains.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This means too much potassium in your blood, which can be dangerous if not treated.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The Mark is a spy flick centered on Eden (Alba), an enigmatic spy on a covert and dangerous mission.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the follow-up, the sinister killer seeks vengeance on Finn from beyond the grave by menacing his younger sister, Gwen, who is played by Madeleine McGraw.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The film that introduced us to both Anya Taylor-Joy and the concept of pilgrim horror, The Witch flew onto the big screen like a sinister crow during a frigid New England winter.—
Gwen Ihnat,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
-
To prevent this sinister tax, the White House should announce a set of retaliation measures.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Heavy snow and strong winds could impact major routes, isolate higher-elevation communities, and create hazardous conditions for early-season recreation.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Use your low beam headlights, slow down, and be prepared for periods of hazardous driving conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Cavazos says this work — chasing leads or even, at times, following ICE agents — to alert the community can be hard, especially now that the Department of Homeland Security regularly accuses groups like Cavazos' of interfering with their jobs and endangering the lives of immigration officers.—
Marisa Peñaloza,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Thomas also faces two misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals and recklessly endangering another person, records show.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Having initially faced 20 years in jail, the additional indictments raised his possible jail term to 45 years, with a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Each restaurant in Jefferson County is scored out of a possible 100 points.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share