threatening

adjective

threat·​en·​ing ˈthret-niŋ How to pronounce threatening (audio)
ˈthre-tᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of threateningnext
: 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- How to pronounce threatening (audio)
adverb
gestured threateningly

Synonyms of threatening

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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.
Police provided medical aid to the suspect before they were taken to the hospital, where they were being treated for injuries that are not life-threatening. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Detectives also reviewed a video posted to Instagram by the suspects showing part of the assault and threatening. — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 10 Aug. 2026 The driver of the Ford was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the crash report said. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 His injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, police said. — Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatening

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of threatening was in 1530

Phrases Containing threatening

Rhymes for threatening

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Browse Nearby Words

threatener
threatening
threatful
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Cite this Entry

“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on threatening

Nglish: Translation of threatening for Spanish Speakers

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