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
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
22 June 2026
Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2026
But while the immediate crisis appears to be easing, analysts warn the political and economic tensions threatening Bolivia’s stability remain far from resolved.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
The driver, the only person in the vehicle wearing a seatbelt, sustained non-life threatening injuries, the State Patrol said.
—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
22 June 2026
Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Verb
If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
—
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 June 2026
But while the immediate crisis appears to be easing, analysts warn the political and economic tensions threatening Bolivia’s stability remain far from resolved.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
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Neither will New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who on Tuesday was mum on any details to which he’d been made privy, carefully side-stepping a question about the Swift event during a press conference about the impending heat wave.
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LeBron James's impending free agency, though less leveraged at 41, points predictably towards a return to the Lakers.
Adjective
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The movie is an apex of film noir, filled with dark shadows, moody lighting and ominous swaying palm trees.
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
Adjective
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Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
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Sometimes, the streets appear glittering; other times, seedy and dangerous.
Verb
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Santiago was charged with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon.
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Some argue that the only way to stop Iran from menacing the region and its people is to crush this regime.
Adjective
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
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If stress builds, schedule a short stretch break and set softer deadlines where possible, because kindness to your body supports reliable output.
Adjective
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Because everyone will have access to the same information, AI will accentuate the value of personal connections, again promoting lineages and networks that at their most extreme may appear to be sinister establishment conspiracies.
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Soon, Pinocchio – under the influence of a sinister Cricket (Robert Englund) — goes on a killing rampage to free James from everyone evil around him, and becoming a real boy in the process — one piece at a time.
Adjective
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Concrete casing and tubing – used to seal and extract oil – can lose integrity, causing leaks and potential hazardous gas releases.
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Concerns about hazardous chemicals led police to suggest residents evacuate, although many declined.
Verb
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Court records show Pawnell faces charges including second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.
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Based on the video, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office arrested and charged Cox with a felony for endangering the welfare of a physically disabled person.
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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