threatening 1 of 2

adjective

ˈthret-niŋ How to pronounce threatening (audio)
Definition of threateningnext
1
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence economists warning of a threatening recession

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

threatening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of threaten
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
Adjective
Police classified the call as urgent (priority 3) but not life-threatening. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 Forty-four other people suffered life-threatening or serious injuries, authorities have said. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
Owens' unexpected return after career-threatening neck surgery injects new excitement into SmackDown's main event scene. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 The reversals are especially profitable, allowing traders to win both ways -- jumping ahead of stocks moving up or down to a post threatening something, then cashing out within thousands of a second, then betting the other way. — Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
  1. impending
  2. ominous
  3. dangerous
  4. menacing
  5. possible
  6. sinister
  7. hazardous
  8. endangering
Adjective
  • Despite their impending free-agent status, San Francisco landed fascinating pitching prospects in both deals.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Next year’s qualifying offer is expected to be somewhere around $23 million, with a decision for both parties due before December’s impending lockout.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of impending
Adjective
  • The restaurant’s unfussy dining room is spiced with colorful murals, among them an ominous bathroom-door piece featuring a toilet spewing orange flames.
    — Ellen Fort, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
  • These unusual conditions explain why Sara discovers an ominous dead saltwater fish inside the caves before the group encounters a much larger ocean creature.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 29 July 2026
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • Despite Penta's aggressive offense and dangerous maneuvers, Gable persevered, ultimately making Penta submit with a decisive ankle lock, securing a triumphant and emotional victory.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Three wildfires are burning in Spokane County, Washington, and thousands of families have been ordered to flee their homes overnight, as state officials warn of an incredibly dangerous situation and brace for what daylight may reveal.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of dangerous
Verb
  • He was charged with criminal use of a firearm and menacing a police officer.
    — Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of menacing
Adjective
  • This gracious grand dame has possibly the best possible address in all of Stockholm, overlooking Strökajen Harbor in the city’s Norrmalm district, a short walk from the Royal Palace and the Old Town.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities haven't stated a possible cause for the other two fires.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Like the initial story, Millie’s employers (Dunst and Kelly portray the spouses) are harboring a dark, sinister secret.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As Digital Digging's Henk Van Ess noted, however, this tool also opens the door for more sinister uses.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • The system also avoided hazardous conditions while controlling the spacecraft’s orientation, showing how autonomous software could reduce dependence on ground commands during military and scientific missions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities continue to warn the public about the dangers of the Kern River, describing it as extremely hazardous even for experienced swimmers.
    — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of hazardous
Verb
  • Tracey was arrested days after the incident and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, harassment and obstruction.
    — Adam Sabes , Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Januchowski pleaded not guilty July 14 to three misdemeanor counts each of first-degree assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, court records state.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of endangering

Browse Nearby Words

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threatening
threatens
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Cite this Entry

“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on threatening

Nglish: Translation of threatening for Spanish Speakers

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