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
Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Paul hears strange noises, and finds a cabin that gives off a threatening energy.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
Now he's accused the Indianapolis Democrat of bullying and threatening him.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Officials in the Southeast had geared up to deal with the storm while the forecast looked more threatening.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Paul hears strange noises, and finds a cabin that gives off a threatening energy.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
Initially, Volvo approached German coachbuilder Karmann to build bodies for the sporty new 2+2 coupe, but Volkswagen strongarmed Karmann—prolific supplier of cars like the Karmann Ghia Type 14—threatening to cancel contracts if Karmann got involved with the attractive Swedish upstart.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
Now he's accused the Indianapolis Democrat of bullying and threatening him.
—Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
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The Dodgers have a $10 million club option on Max Muncy and could be on the hunt for a new third baseman, as could the Mariners, who acquired impending free agent Eugenio Suárez this summer.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
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The Big Little Lies actress just debuted her new hair amid her impending divorce from longtime husband Keith Urban.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Lately, some employees are noticing an ominous trend in their career trajectories.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Giants tanked immediately after acquiring a high-profile superstar with a nine-figure contract, which was inexplicable, unexpected and ominous.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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So quick, so dangerous in the final third, and surely so motivated to revive his career in a World Cup year.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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But even hanging around the base camp can be dangerous, as hundreds of holiday makers were trapped when the area was hit in an unexpected blizzard over the weekend.—
Kaijing Xiao,
ABC News,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Is their entire a life a facade for something more sinister?—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
3 Oct. 2025
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Drawn in by her fortune and allure, Calvin accepts an invitation aboard her superyacht Eternity, only to realize her glamorous world hides sinister secrets.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Soon enough, the hazardous conditions overwhelm the area and Kevin has to get creative with maps and his driving skills, plus embrace a daredevil spirit, for even a chance of making it out alive with his young charges.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
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The computer scientists used an AI program to generate DNA codes for more than 75,000 variants of hazardous proteins – and the firewalls used by DNA manufacturers weren't consistently able to catch them.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The three accused, who police only identified by first names and initials of their last names, were charged with membership in a foreign terrorist organization and preparing an act of violence endangering the state.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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The crowding of emergency rooms on hot days strains the state's economy and medical system while endangering residents who may need the attention of limited providers for other hospital care.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Outside the home, keep tree branches pruned, and as far away from the house as possible.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Even though Sutton had more success against Mitchell than any receiver has this season, Payton liked the speedy Franklin in tight space along the goal line against a corner who simply doesn’t have Mitchell’s menacing reach or closing speed.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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