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
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
In just a year, Klausner has dissipated the cloud of doubt that was casting a shadow over Dries Van Noten like a threatening storm.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026
Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Advocates warn a similar effort is unfolding in Florida, threatening to shut out thousands of Muslims from benefiting from the national movement to allow public money to be spent on private schools.
—Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain itself, is rare but potentially life-threatening.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
In just a year, Klausner has dissipated the cloud of doubt that was casting a shadow over Dries Van Noten like a threatening storm.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
Trump is expected to send Congress a request for more money for his war, while threatening to stop signing bills until Republicans pass a voter ID and citizenship law that faces serious hurdles.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Advocates warn a similar effort is unfolding in Florida, threatening to shut out thousands of Muslims from benefiting from the national movement to allow public money to be spent on private schools.
—Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
There is chatter of an impending reduction or reorganization of the international NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, which has been in place since 1999 to stabilize the country following war in the Balkans.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Back in Tehran, where heavy bombardment hit several locations including residential areas late Thursday night, residents have said they, too, are given no warnings about impending attacks.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Imagine the surprise, and relief, of all those allied troops who drove into Baghdad without once hearing the ominous cry GAS!—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That $67 ticket informed me that the airline was selling seats to fill planes and slashing staff and services to dangerous levels.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
But the industry’s modern threats, while not wholly unprecedented, are dangerous in ways that are genuinely alarming.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Chinese, too, are absolutely shocked that a great power is menacing a small neighbor and inflicting regime change by military force.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
3 Jan. 2026
-
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
-
As labor complications ensue, a blizzard rages outside trapping the family in their home – sitting ducks for whatever sinister presence might be in there with them.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Dumas’ sinister seductress Milady is now a British spy helping the Nazis.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Scientists warn that this chemical fallout is far more hazardous and complex than standard urban pollution.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Some hazardous storms ongoing Wednesday morning in the Midwest and Texas will get another boost of energy in the afternoon as the threat stretches out and tracks east.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But first leaders from both parties need to talk seriously about what is needed to protect our borders without endangering the rights and freedoms that make this country so attractive in the first place.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
According to court paperwork, Ian and Corrine Dryburgh have been charged with endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, and furnishing liquor to minors stemming from the incident that happened at a home in Plum Borough late last month.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 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,
11 Mar. 2026
-
During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
