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

Yet the government of the United States speaks of war every day, speaks of threats every day, and every day escalates its threatening rhetoric toward Cuba; but the Cuban people are not afraid. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026

The illness starts with flu-like symptoms An infection can rapidly progress and become life-threatening. —Susan Montoya Bryan, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Police described his injuries as life-threatening. —Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

As of Saturday evening, there had been 8 total threats reported, from bomb threats to unspecified threatening calls, where police did a sweep and found no danger to the public. —Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing threatening

• life-threatening

Rhymes for threatening

• nonthreatening