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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of threatening
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
At least three people are hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries following a series of crashes on Interstate 264 between Breckenridge and Browns lanes, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Aaron Ellis said.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Rogers pleaded guilty in 2022 to two counts of mailing threatening communications, one count of threats by interstate communications, and two counts of stalking.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
Both conditions can become serious or even life-threatening when not treated properly.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
At least three people are hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries following a series of crashes on Interstate 264 between Breckenridge and Browns lanes, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Aaron Ellis said.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Officials are urging anyone in Melissa’s path to prepare for life-threatening flooding, landslides, power outages and dangerous seas.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Rogers pleaded guilty in 2022 to two counts of mailing threatening communications, one count of threats by interstate communications, and two counts of stalking.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
The contention over Bad Bunny's impending performance at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show roils on.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Oct. 2025
-
An impending federal ruling is expected to strip Texas DACA recipients of their work authorizations, impacting tens of thousands of people in the state.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Several stories account for the ominous name of the stark, forbidding mountains.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft, according to a news release from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
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This connection would become increasingly important over the twentieth century, as the rapid development of technological infrastructure created ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous sensitivities to geomagnetic storms.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the follow-up, the sinister killer seeks vengeance on Finn from beyond the grave by menacing his younger sister, Gwen, who is played by Madeleine McGraw.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Their double life soon gets complicated when a rival boy band harboring a sinister secret begins stealing their fans.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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Candyman, the Candyman franchise (1992–1999; 2021) Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) finds out that adoration and horror don't mix when she is faced with the attachment of the sinister Candyman (Tony Todd) in the 1992 film classic.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Heavy snow and strong winds could impact major routes, isolate higher-elevation communities, and create hazardous conditions for early-season recreation.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Use your low beam headlights, slow down, and be prepared for periods of hazardous driving conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Elmahdi is being charged with operating while intoxicated with passengers under 16 years of age, possession of THC, reckless driving endangering safety, operating while suspended, operating without insurance and a child safety restraint violation.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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Lewis was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child in the second-degree, according to police.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Having initially faced 20 years in jail, the additional indictments raised his possible jail term to 45 years, with a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Each restaurant in Jefferson County is scored out of a possible 100 points.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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