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
Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
These are combined into complex emotional models of potentially threatening circumstances.
—ArsTechnica, 21 May 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
The risks and costs of this crisis are a thousand times more threatening to our country than COVID-19.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
These are combined into complex emotional models of potentially threatening circumstances.
—ArsTechnica, 21 May 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
-
Some Republicans still hope for a detente between the two men, although that seemed unlikely on Friday as Trump brushed off the idea of an impending makeup call.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2025
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Tiny microphones were installed in the Titan to amplify the sounds of those fibers snapping under extreme pressure, to warn crew of impending danger.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
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Punched in the face That could explain the chain saw-wielding, the jumping up and down onstage, the manic baby-making and crusading for more spreading of sperm by smart people and the ominous Nazi-style salutes.—
Maureen Dowd,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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At times, the Algerian even operated as a wide forward as O’Neil grappled with a forward injury crisis and identified Ait-Nouri as his most dangerous attacking threat.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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An emergency room doctor explains why opioids are so dangerous. 2️⃣ ‘Absolute sh*tshow’: NASA scientists are in limbo after the Trump administration proposed eliminating the Goddard Institute for Space Studies.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
By the end of the season, President George W. Bush arrives at the family’s doorstep, masquerading as Rumi’s friend while barely concealing his sinister intentions.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
2 June 2025
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Idyllic getaways unravel into haunting mysteries, exposing the sinister secrets lurking beneath sunlit shores, mountain retreats and bustling boardwalks; Jessica Biel narrates.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Other parts of the southeastern US could see hazardous weather Friday afternoon and evening.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2025
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However, a small portion of them, known as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs), do require close monitoring.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Officers are rarely — if ever — punished for hitting or endangering bystanders.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
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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
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Dutch’s mission is rooted in making that bond possible—for more people—by providing affordable, ongoing access to care.—
Sindhya Valloppillil,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Record high temperatures are possible on Monday in Oregon, including the cities of Portland, Eugene and Medford.—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2025
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Make that the second scariest, as Claire’s antics bring another menacing character into their lives, when her dealer, Jackie (Domhnall Gleeson), shows up at Echo Valley looking for 10 grand in heroin.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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