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
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
Violent posts stay up, despite Truth Social rules All three sites have policies discouraging threatening or violent rhetoric.
—
Peter Eisler, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024
On a book release tour, Noem defended her actions by saying the dog had shown threatening behavior.
—Lee Strubinger, NPR, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for threatening 
Peter Eisler, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024
On a book release tour, Noem defended her actions by saying the dog had shown threatening behavior.
—Lee Strubinger, NPR, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for threatening
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'threatening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near threatening
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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