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
Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
Both victims’ injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Elinore Weil, Artforum, 4 Mar. 2026
Authorities in Collin, Kaufman and Denton counties say scammers are contacting residents and demanding immediate payment over the phone and threatening arrest if the fake fines are not paid.
—Maria Salette Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Those feelings are valid, but failing to overcome them can be life-threatening.
—Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
Both victims’ injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
At present, the greatest danger threatening our civilization is the lack of imagination.
—Elinore Weil, Artforum, 4 Mar. 2026
Authorities in Collin, Kaufman and Denton counties say scammers are contacting residents and demanding immediate payment over the phone and threatening arrest if the fake fines are not paid.
—Maria Salette Ontiveros, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
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Because of this atmospheric trick, for many localities, there will be an unusual chance to observe a selenelion firsthand with this impending shadowy event.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
28 Feb. 2026
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Since the news of Funston's impending release, law enforcement officials and prosecutors in Sacramento County have strongly opposed that decision.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Christian Bible and biblical texts also reference red or bloody moons in ominous tones.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026
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The pizza deliveries in Daniel's name sent an ominous message, according to Salas.—
Bill Whitaker,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Standard sensors like cameras and lidar often fail in heavy rain, thick fog, or low light, creating dangerous blind spots.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
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But, even a light glaze can be highly dangerous when driving.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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The murders themselves are obviously very sinister, but the circumstances surrounding them undermine the show’s drama and lean toward the absurd.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2026
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But the updraft that struck Flight SQ321 was of a more sinister sort.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Large equipment can be hazardous to operate safely, and a large stump can outmatch a large skid steer.—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Mar. 2026
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Several people wearing hazardous materials gear walking into a home in Irvine where FBI officials are investigating suspicious materials that were found at a home laboratory.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The city put out a news release naming her and accusing her of endangering lives, disrupting civic engagement, silencing residents, intimidating, and interfering with democracy.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
28 Feb. 2026
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The captain was indicted last year on 17 counts of involuntary manslaughter and 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell told the state television program on Friday the accused faced a host of possible charges including crimes associated with terrorist acts.—
Reuters 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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