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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of threatening
S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Orlando managed three shots on target in the first half, but the Angel City defense kept the Pride from truly threatening.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Kennedy French, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
Traders had expected the Fed would be hesitant to cut this year as the Iran conflict had sent energy prices skyrocketing, threatening the central bank’s efforts to get inflation back to its 2% goal.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
The child was taken to Children's Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
—S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Orlando managed three shots on target in the first half, but the Angel City defense kept the Pride from truly threatening.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
As Jason’s obsession with the Box deepens, Daniela’s (Connelly) growing paranoia pushes her to the brink, threatening to tear their fragile stability apart.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
Traders had expected the Fed would be hesitant to cut this year as the Iran conflict had sent energy prices skyrocketing, threatening the central bank’s efforts to get inflation back to its 2% goal.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
Nearly half a dozen bills have been introduced in Congress with support from the hemp industry to address the impending November ban.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Now, the reentry into Earth's atmosphere and the impending splashdown off the coast of California is perhaps the most dangerous leg of the 10-day mission.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Notes The day got off to an ominous start when Cosmic Heat broke her left front leg entering the stretch in the first race and had to be euthanized.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The sheriff's office extended condolences to the child's family and loved ones, calling the incident a tragic reminder of how quickly conditions on the water can turn dangerous.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
As multiple cities around Jackson County move to ban types of unregulated and potentially dangerous ‘gas station drugs’ — specifically more potent variations of kratom — Lee’s Summit has not only joined the charge but has taken restrictions even further.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some argue that the only way to stop Iran from menacing the region and its people is to crush this regime.—
Dennis Ross,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
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As the two catch up, Crudup veers from good-natured to sorrowful to bitter to menacing in a matter of minutes.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Noblezada stepped into the role of the tragically vivacious nightclub singer Sally Bowles, but rather than playing her unlikely lover Cliff, Carney was cast as the impishly sinister Emcee of the Kit Kat Club.—
Carey Purcell,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2026
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Distracted balances its celeb soiree with Southern California’s sinister edge, the malaise and monotony that can make sunny days so alienating.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Pitchfork,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In the 1990s, FDOT concluded that I-395, the mile-long elevated highway built in the late 1960s to connect the new Interstate 95 and the MacArthur Causeway, was hazardous and structurally and functionally obsolete.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Police began cracking down Saturday, using pepper spray to help clear protesters at the Whitegate refinery in County Cork and vowing to remove others who were endangering critical infrastructure and public safety because gas shortages could prevent response by emergency services.—
Brian Melley,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
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Irish police Commissioner Justin Kelly said enforcement would be ramped up because protesters were illegally blockading critical infrastructure and endangering public safety because of the impact gas shortages could have on emergency response from paramedics and firefighters.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
What is expected to be the biggest gathering of possible Democratic 2028 presidential hopefuls is set to happen at the convention for the National Action Network, an organization dedicated to fighting for civil rights and equality.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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