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
Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Pines police said the four people on board were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Your Next Listen — Prediction markets are threatening national security.
—Darian Woods, NPR, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Strong thunderstorms and heavy lightning disrupted Friday’s Lincoln Memorial event, and the forecast for Sunday evening also looked threatening.
—Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Pines police said the four people on board were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
Verb
The system could also produce tornadoes beginning Tuesday night threatening areas from the upper Texas coast across southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the the Florida Panhandle, forecasters warn.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Your Next Listen — Prediction markets are threatening national security.
—Darian Woods, NPR, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
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But the message wasn’t about a missing person or an impending storm.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
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As for Sunday’s start of the negotiation period with their own impending free agents, the Heat have several players to consider, with some having been tied to the team’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 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,
15 June 2026
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Nothing sad or ominous to share this week.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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That is exactly why these fake job offers are so dangerous.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
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Over the last week, the greatest threat of dangerous rip currents and sneaker waves has been on the beaches facing south or southwest, officials said.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Santiago was charged with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
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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.—
Dennis Ross,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 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,
17 June 2026
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Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area beginning early Wednesday, and are expected within the warning area beginning later on Wednesday.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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At the very least, they are connected to a sinister entity that preys on the minds of its victims.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
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There’s been something sinister afoot in provincial France in recent years.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
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The 12% concentrate is significantly more hazardous than the standard household version.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Rempuszewski is now being held at the Allegheny County Jail and is facing charges of endangering the welfare of children, leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle, and recklessly endangering another person.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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Pete Arredondo was charged in 2024 with 10 counts of endangering students.—
Josh Margolin,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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