THREATENING Synonyms: 192 Similar and Opposite Words

threatening 1 of 2

adjective

ˈthret-niŋ

Definition of threatening

as in impending

giving signs of immediate occurrence economists warning of a threatening recession

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

threatening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of threaten

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

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

Adjective

The Kia driver sustained minor injuries on his hands, while two girls from the volleyball team were taken to Norton Children’s Hospital for evaluation of non-life threatening injuries. — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Aug. 2026 In connection with the beheading threat, he was arrested on suspicion of making an interstate threatening communication. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

State officials earlier this month sent separate letters to Tulsa and Oklahoma City threatening to bill the cities for the cleanup efforts costing nearly $900,000 over the past year. — Maddy Keyes, The Frontier, 28 Aug. 2026 As the war with Iran drags on, the US has been increasingly threatening economic tactics to exert pressure on Tehran. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for threatening

Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening

Adjective

Netanyahu brands Erdogan an ‘antisemitic tyrant’ Netanyahu and Katz have pushed back on the political motivation narrative, warning instead of an impending Turkish footprint in Syria.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
That said, this episode — which focused on Barney trying to win over Robin’s scary father as Ted tried to deal with his feelings about his pals’ impending nuptials — hit the right notes, both emotionally and mythologically.

— Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of impending

Adjective

Sunlight Place the plant in a sunny window, south-facing if possible, and give it four to six hours of sunlight each day.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026
Carley Garner, a commodity market strategist and broker at DeCarley Trading, said smaller futures and oil ETFs such as the United States Oil Fund (ticker USO) have made speculation possible for traders at almost any level of experience or funding.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

But now Disney has shared more of what’s coming to the sinister territory just beyond the spires of the park’s Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.

— Megan duBois, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026
In the more familiar galaxy far, far away, their friends Hera Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, Zeb Orrelios and Chopper must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the fledgling New Republic into war.

— Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sinister

Browse Nearby Words

threatened

threatening

threatens

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Style

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

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Synonyms of threatening

adjective

verb

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