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
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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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As an artist who often publicly discusses mental health struggles, Caudle was willing to channel the anxiety that comes with impending parenthood throughout the process of writing and recording Heavy Thrill.
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Several steps have to occur for an institution to receive a grant, but typically the federal government forecasts the impending grants months to a year before the notice of funding opportunities are opened for applications.
Adjective
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
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Listening to most records felt shaky, ominous, like reintroducing food after a stomach bug.
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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Visit Big Bear said the decision to move forward with the event was not made lightly and that organizers were working with the fireworks provider to reduce the loudest booms where possible.
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CosRx’s The 6 Peptide Skin Booster isn’t just about packing in as many peptides as possible—each peptide has a different job, from supporting elasticity and smoothing fine lines to calming skin and boosting radiance.
Adjective
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Disclosure Day sees Daniel (O'Connor) and Margaret (Blunt) racing to evade the sinister Wardex corporation with the ultimate goal of disclosure.
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Over the past decade, Pride Nights have morphed into something much larger, radical and sinister, in my opinion.
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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Sunshyne Davis, 25, and Robert White, 39, have been charged with murder, manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.
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This prompted Tanshi and another bat specialist, Benneth Obitte, to set up the Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON) in 2016, which helps protect bats and other small creatures from things that may be endangering them including wildfires.
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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