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
Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 1 June 2026
The victim’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2026
Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
Yemeni terror group the Houthis are now threatening to jump in and harass ships in the area.
—Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
The other two victims' injuries were non-life-threatening.
—Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 1 June 2026
The victim’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2026
Verb
As such, Democrats are threatening to oppose an extension of FISA.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
Yemeni terror group the Houthis are now threatening to jump in and harass ships in the area.
—Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
Archer is scaling for the mega sporting event and attempting to build an operational hub for the area's impending air taxi network.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
With multiple lawsuits and an impending Supreme Court ruling poised to shape TPS nationwide, advocates hail the Lebanese extension but warn that hundreds of thousands still lack a permanent solution.—
Gisela Salomon,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
The exterior further defines the massive, ominous-looking truck.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Brith had shut her eyes, finding that the sparks were still living on the inside of the lids, vivid in their dangerous dark.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
Carpenter says the disturbing encounters left her fearful for her safety and that of relatives living with her, as police label the suspect’s fixation irrational and increasingly dangerous.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Santiago was charged with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 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
Adjective
-
In the film, actress Midori Francis plays Hana, a medical student who becomes terrorized by a sinister force after partaking in the latest dieting fad — eating human ashes.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
-
Yet a sinister rage brews within the former chef, flickering alive with the smallest spark.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Nearly as well-respected as DEET, picaridin is highly effective against the most hazardous mosquito breeds and, notably, won’t damage plastic or some synthetic fibers the way DEET does.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
-
Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
All were arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct along with either endangering another person or obstruction of justice, state police said.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
The New Jersey State Police said in a statement that one of those faced a charge of disorderly conduct and endangering another person and the other five were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice.—
Daniella Silva,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Anything and everything is possible and can be achieved with a trademark, down-to-earth friendliness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Wherever possible, Arnold shot outside the studio, capturing her subjects going about their everyday lives — a radical approach for celebrity photography at the time.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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