threatening

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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

threatening

2 of 2

present participle of threaten

Synonyms of threatening

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of threatening in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Prayer, religious dress and other expressions of faith can be treated as foreign, political or threatening. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026 The other two teens were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Side effects and risks Buprenorphine use is linked to various adverse effects, ranging from mild to potentially life-threatening. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 The company said the content did not reflect its values, including its opposition to domestic violence, discrimination and threatening behavior. — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatening

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of threatening was in 1530

Phrases Containing threatening

Rhymes for threatening

See All Rhymes for threatening

Browse Nearby Words

threatener
threatening
threatful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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