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
But there was something about this particular surgery that felt more threatening than the others.
—
Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
The defense’s case focused on emphasizing Neely’s threatening behavior, character witnesses from Penny’s time in the US Marines and challenges to the medical cause of Neely’s death.
—Gloria Pazmino, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
Penny’s lawyers, on the other hand, portrayed him as a good Samaritan being unfairly punished for trying to help fellow passengers through a frightening moment when the homeless man entered the train in what several said was a threatening manner.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024
The grand jury accused Michael Whiting of misuse of public monies, theft, conflict of interest, harassment, sending a threatening letter, and stealing, destroying, altering or secreting public records.
—Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 11 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for threatening 
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Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
The defense’s case focused on emphasizing Neely’s threatening behavior, character witnesses from Penny’s time in the US Marines and challenges to the medical cause of Neely’s death.
—Gloria Pazmino, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
Penny’s lawyers, on the other hand, portrayed him as a good Samaritan being unfairly punished for trying to help fellow passengers through a frightening moment when the homeless man entered the train in what several said was a threatening manner.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024
The grand jury accused Michael Whiting of misuse of public monies, theft, conflict of interest, harassment, sending a threatening letter, and stealing, destroying, altering or secreting public records.
—Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 11 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for threatening
Dictionary Entries Near threatening
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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