1
as in impending
giving signs of immediate occurrence
economists warning of a threatening recession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
a threatening silence followed the loud thump in the adjoining motel room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
threatening rocks lined that narrow stretch of the river through which we would be rafting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in menacing
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on
the powerful hurricane continues to threaten the southern coastline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of threatening
Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
Iannarelli discussed how threatening individuals often escalate their anger verbally.
—Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Trump is threatening to carry out a massive bombing campaign against Iranian civilian infrastructure as peace talks between the United States and regime leaders in Tehran show no signs of progress.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Prosper registered its first threatening opportunity on a shot from Isabella Wilson that was saved.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
Iannarelli discussed how threatening individuals often escalate their anger verbally.
—Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
The trouble was, this academic interlude of hers was creeping toward a decade now, threatening to become the entirety of her career.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Trump is threatening to carry out a massive bombing campaign against Iranian civilian infrastructure as peace talks between the United States and regime leaders in Tehran show no signs of progress.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
And its impending move is likely to increase the organization’s capital costs and expenses.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Hard contact yielded minimal results but hope for an impending breakthrough.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Those citing such ominous scenarios envisioned other possible dangers, including the debilitation of America’s security guarantees to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil exporters.—
Paul Blustein,
Fortune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Certain signs, such as the recent decree by the municipal authorities of Damascus confining the sale of alcohol to Christian neighborhoods, are ominous.—
Alvaro Vargas Llosa,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Community members and city leaders say the combination of narrow streets, heavy foot traffic and frequent parking maneuvers can create dangerous conditions.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Assault with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Some argue that the only way to stop Iran from menacing the region and its people is to crush this regime.—
Dennis Ross,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
-
As the two catch up, Crudup veers from good-natured to sorrowful to bitter to menacing in a matter of minutes.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The receptionist works behind a period cabinet converted into the sort of desk Philip Marlowe would happily put his feet on and Art Deco ornamentations abound, from the beautiful clocks, to the slightly sinister candlesticks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The horror film stars Zazie Beetz as a housekeeper who works in a sinister high-rise apartment.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The advisory warns of snow, sleet, and heavy rain, with conditions likely to make roads slippery and hazardous.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Which is also super hazardous for someone in a massive suit running around [laughs].—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Huerta pled guilty in February in Leavenworth County District Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated endangering a child, according to previous Star reporting.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee
March 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
This past week, in anticipation of today’s protest, metal gates were installed at some on- and off-ramps along the 101 Freeway in the downtown area to stop demonstrations from spilling onto the freeway, blocking traffic and endangering pedestrians.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
If possible, set aside some time today to journal, listen to your favorite music, or just take a nap!—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
-
If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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