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
Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
According to The Athletic, Donald received threatening emails from Anwar five years ago and has since sent him packages and gifts while stalking him and threatening the life of his 3-year-old son.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
The Palisades fire has garnered headlines, but the Hurst and Eaton fires have also been threatening very populated areas.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
However, the manager of the Small Faces, Marriott’s band at the time, allegedly made threatening noises about the move and everyone returned to their previous bands, although Beck left the Yardbirds shortly afterward.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
According to The Athletic, Donald received threatening emails from Anwar five years ago and has since sent him packages and gifts while stalking him and threatening the life of his 3-year-old son.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Richard curses again, threatening Blum.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
The Palisades fire has garnered headlines, but the Hurst and Eaton fires have also been threatening very populated areas.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
The impending downturn at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles comes not long after the twin facilities reported booming activity, tied to a labor dispute that shut down major ports on the East and Gulf coasts.—
Caroline Petrow-Cohen,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
-
Given the impending swell in Alzheimer’s diagnoses, scientists have resolved to gain a better understanding of the emergence and evolution of the disease.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
The increasing suicide rates of the elderly in rapidly aging Japan and South Korea are an ominous sign.—
The Editors,
National Review,
30 Apr. 2025
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Harvard-Westlake, last year’s Division 1 runner-up, is still dangerous with sophomore pitcher Justin Kirchner (7-0) and junior center fielder James Tronstein.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Activists have criticized clearing acres of trees, said that a firing range on campus could be dangerous and that the project would change the Matthews campus’ culture for the worse.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While investigating the case of a teenage girl left for dead in the woods, Luminița (34), a small-town police officer, risks being swallowed into a dark, sinister world, where the unlawful meets the occult.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
8 May 2025
-
The real-life School of Rock founder’s former students tell a more sinister story By Ezra Marcus Hats Off! Daniel Berulis, a cyber-security expert and employee of the National Labor Relations Board.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Heavy trucks still clog roads, and residents worry about toxic dust and soil, and about hazardous waste being dumped into local landfills.—
Francine Kiefer,
Christian Science Monitor,
2 May 2025
-
The Air Quality Index near fireworks often reaches the hazardous level which states everyone should avoid all physical activities outdoors.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Officers are rarely — if ever — punished for hitting or endangering bystanders.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Amanda Davila, 28, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted in January of endangering the welfare of a child in relation to the death of 6-year-old Fajr Atiya Williams.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Those two will take on the Mitchell and Garland assignments and will need to be as disruptive as possible.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
The takeaway wasn’t so much that the treatment posed significant long-term risks, but more about mistakes that were very possible, as the treatment’s efficacy largely lies in the hands of ultra-trained and highly skilled practitioners.—
Perrie Samotin,
Glamour,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
His other arrests include menacing and marijuana possession in 2009, grand larceny in 2008 and a 2005 bust for assault as a juvenile.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2025
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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