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
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
The victim, a 25-year-old woman, was taken to an area hospital to be treated for her injuries, which Lowther said were not life-threatening.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
That order came hours after flames and smoke began threatening the area.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
The Gophers top three defensive ends will return for the 2026 season, and the U has added another threatening edge rusher to the mix via the transfer portal.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
The victim, a 25-year-old woman, was taken to an area hospital to be treated for her injuries, which Lowther said were not life-threatening.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
In some cases, scammers posed as government agents threatening to unleash the full power of the IRS.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
That order came hours after flames and smoke began threatening the area.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
So researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota developed a system that uses real-time signals to warn about impending issues.—
Michelle Fay Cortez,
Bloomberg,
5 Jan. 2026
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Instead, must investigate the history of the colony and attempt to save it from an impending disaster, all while struggling to survive in the harsh lunar environment devoid of oxygen.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Episodes are bound together by banal introductory voiceover, in which our narrator recites ominous clichés that, like everything in His & Hers, border on parody.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
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More ominous still is the thought of the FanDuel mentality extending into other areas of American life.—
Rand Richards Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Pipes and sewers can be very dangerous for pets and wildlife and Roto-Rooter, with specialized equipment and personnel, has become a go-to call to save cats, dogs, turtles and more.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
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Ole Miss has enough dangerous weapons in quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, running back Kewan Lacy and wide receivers Harrison Wallace III, De’Zhaun Stribling and Deuce Alexander to make a tired defense pay.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 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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Smallwood, less innately sinister as a performer, turns the part into a slow burn.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
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If Park’s film begins as another lament for our layoff-laden modern world, the South Korean director soon introduces a sinister twist.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Forecasters warn of hazardous travel conditions from icy roads and low visibility.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Gonzales has pleaded not guilty to 29 counts of endangering or abandoning a child.—
Matthew J. Friedman,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
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Leaving the camp at that point would only mean endangering everyone’s fate.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
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Ehrlich noted the short careers for college athletes and wondered whether a union for collective bargaining is even possible.—
ANDREW DESTIN,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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