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
Ayo Akinwolere, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Mace and Oihane controlled the wings, stopping the Courage from ever truly threatening.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Plus, with carbon pricing now covering 28 percent of global emissions, the industry faces growing exposure to a new layer of fiscal jeopardy, threatening the viability of traditional low-cost production models.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Only centre-back William Saliba completed more passes than the 19-year-old, while he was involved in the most possession sequences, jumping from space to space in midfield and knitting together Arsenal’s most threatening passing moves.
—Ayo Akinwolere, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Mace and Oihane controlled the wings, stopping the Courage from ever truly threatening.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Verb
Many family members also accused Kouri Richins of threatening and attacking them in the wake of the murder.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Plus, with carbon pricing now covering 28 percent of global emissions, the industry faces growing exposure to a new layer of fiscal jeopardy, threatening the viability of traditional low-cost production models.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
But there were other signs of an impending disaster.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
10 May 2026
-
As the impending deadline approaches, one thing is on the Magidsons’ minds — keeping the family together.—
Corey Schmidt,
Sacbee.com,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
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Also, as the only foreigners present in significant numbers, the North Koreans sent an ominous message about the current state of Russia’s alliances.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Battista and Tucker are two of the most dangerous hitters in the state.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2026
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If Iran gets away with charging any kind of toll or fee for passing through it, that principle is shot, and that is a dangerous thing.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
11 May 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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Anais has no idea that this institute in the desert is run by a secret cult – where healing is not the objective – but a gateway to something far more sinister.—
Roberto Prieto,
Variety,
13 May 2026
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On their first album under the moniker, the two noisemakers from Animal Collective delight in this combination, foregrounding campfire acoustics while sinister drones lurk around the corner.—
Ethan Beck,
Pitchfork,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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That land was also home to a portion of the Citizens Gas manufactured gas plant, leaving behind layers of coal tar and hazardous waste.—
Michelle de la Uz,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2026
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An air quality alert is issued by the government when air pollution levels reach unhealthy or hazardous levels to help people take proactive measures.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Both parents are now facing multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a child.—
Shelley Bortz,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
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British authorities arrested a man from Sudan on suspicion of endangering life in that case.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Closing arguments are on Thursday, and a decision from an advisory jury and the judge overseeing the case, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, are possible next week.—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
12 May 2026
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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,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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