threatening

adjective

threat·en·ing ˈthret-niŋ

ˈthre-tᵊn-iŋ

Synonyms of threatening next

: 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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Clay and Sissel are both charged with making threatening communications. —

Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 The drug’s public image was less threatening — smoking pot was played for laughs in movies and TV shows — but the reality of its criminalization was much darker. —

Marin Cogan, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 The statement did not specify what the threatening graffiti said. —

Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024 Trump, whose campaign has blamed Harris for inflation and poor border security, has also drawn attention for a string of bizarre and threatening remarks from the campaign trail, including toward his political rivals. —

Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for threatening