threatening

adjective

threat·​en·​ing ˈthret-niŋ 

ˈthre-tᵊn-iŋ

: expressing or suggesting a threat of harm, danger, etc.

received a threatening message

a threatening manner

: indicating or suggesting the approach of possible trouble or danger

saw threatening clouds on the horizon

threateningly

ˈthret-niŋ-lē, 

ˈthre-tᵊn-iŋ- 

adverb

gestured threateningly

Synonyms of threatening

• impending
• looming
• possible

Examples of threatening in a Sentence

economists warning of a threatening recession

a threatening silence followed the loud thump in the adjoining motel room

threatening rocks lined that narrow stretch of the river through which we would be rafting

Recent Examples on the Web

Each of their injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Dog breeds like pugs and French and English bulldogs now have significantly altered skull shapes that result in serious, and even life-threatening, issues created by our value of aesthetics. —New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026

Three others sustained serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

The driver of the Porsche was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries not deemed life-threatening. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening