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
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of threatening
Phil Helsel, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
Jaheim Weaver, 21, turned himself into Milford police on Tuesday and was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree threatening and sixth-degree larceny.
—Staff Writer, Connecticut Post, 2 Oct. 2024
Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 4 Oct. 2024
The more the peninsula greens, the more soil will form and the more likely the region will become more favorable for invasive species, potentially threatening native wildlife.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for threatening 
Adjective
After those voicemails, the FBI contacted him and told him to stop making threatening calls, and Hanson agreed, prosecutors wrote.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024
Jaheim Weaver, 21, turned himself into Milford police on Tuesday and was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree threatening and sixth-degree larceny.
—Staff Writer, Connecticut Post, 2 Oct. 2024
Verb
Global warming is causing the Alps’ glaciers to melt at a record pace, threatening precious ecosystems and wildlife in the region.
—Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 4 Oct. 2024
The more the peninsula greens, the more soil will form and the more likely the region will become more favorable for invasive species, potentially threatening native wildlife.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
Her dysfunctional parents are not coping with their impending loss well.Karen D'Souza, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Its price has more than doubled over the past 30-odd days amid growing market confidence in an impending Trump victory this week.Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.David Mack, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
-
The second silence, however, lasted much longer — serving as the only ominous moment at Chavez Ravine over two otherwise rollicking, victorious Fall Classic nights.Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment regarding some advocates’ concerns that a second Trump term would be dangerous for transgender Americans.Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
-
Researcher digs for answers Why do some people think fluoride is dangerous?John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Specifically, Bill becomes increasingly aware of young girls being held and abused by the nuns of his convent, led by a sinister mother superior, Sister Mary (played with dark-eyed, cold-hearted terror by Emily Watson).Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Elliot Page translates vitality and promise as the young teen, while a blood-freezing Catherine Keener is the sinister embodiment of resentment and cruelty.Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Commuting can be hazardous, contributing to car accidents.Steve Osler, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
-
The concern is not that the Ukrainian military would do something hazardous with loose nukes.William M. Moon, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
But operations at the facilities have halted since Hurricane Helene tore through the southeast United States over the weekend, causing historic flooding and landslides, cutting off roads and power and endangering millions of residents.Clare Duffy, CNN, 2 Oct. 2024
-
Is her crusade righteous enough to merit endangering her husband (John Leguizamo) and children, without their consent?Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
Returning to school as quickly as possible, with appropriate support, and getting light exercise that doesn’t pose a head injury risk are important first steps in concussion recovery, and in line with the latest research.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
-
The Trust continues to focus on maintaining its investment objective of tracking the Bitwise 10 Large Cap Crypto Index as closely as possible.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Herbert was sacked six times in the first half, including three by the Browns’ menacing Myles Garrett.Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 4 Nov. 2024
-
The menacing slugger Giancarlo Stanton was retired on a single pitch.Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near threatening
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share