threatening
adjective
threat·en·ing
ˈthret-niŋ 
ˈthre-tᵊn-iŋ
: 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
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
Torrential rains are impacting portions of Haiti and will begin in Jamaica later Saturday and last for several days, bringing life-threatening, potentially catastrophic impact.
—
Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
In southwestern Haiti, the National Hurricane Center describes potential flash flooding and landslides as catastrophic and life threatening.
—Kristin Wright, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
Neither injury was considered life-threatening.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025
His injuries were not life-threatening.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
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Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
In southwestern Haiti, the National Hurricane Center describes potential flash flooding and landslides as catastrophic and life threatening.
—Kristin Wright, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
Neither injury was considered life-threatening.
—Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025
His injuries were not life-threatening.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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