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
Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
In celebration of half a century of fear instilled into society’s collective consciousness, here’s a look at some hopefully less threatening sharks.
—Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
The Palisades fire has garnered headlines, but the Hurst and Eaton fires have also been threatening very populated areas.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Adjective
People with immediate, non-life threatening needs should call (502) 607-6665 or complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form online.
—Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
In celebration of half a century of fear instilled into society’s collective consciousness, here’s a look at some hopefully less threatening sharks.
—Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Verb
Richard curses again, threatening Blum.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
The Palisades fire has garnered headlines, but the Hurst and Eaton fires have also been threatening very populated areas.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for threatening
Adjective
-
Fernandes Anderson was staring down an impending $5,000 fine for a state ethics violation around that time period, for hiring two immediate family members to her City Council staff, giving them raises, and in the case of her sister, a bonus.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
10 July 2025
-
Gunn also makes an appealing choice by having the Daily Planet team pile into Mister Terrific’s T-craft flight vessel to help rescue Superman and stop an impending disaster.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 July 2025
-
The signs in Iran are ominous—and the pleas from Iranian Jewish elders may now go unheard.—
Roya Hakakian,
The Atlantic,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
While air temperatures on Friday were forecasted in the 70s, water temperatures in the region remained in the dangerous mid-50s range.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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Other symptoms can include itching, swelling, and a throbbing pain that radiates up the affected limb, according to Cleveland Clinic. Types Of Jellyfish To Look Out For According to Coffey, the U.S. is home to more than 9,000 species of jellyfish, and only about 100 are considered dangerous.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 July 2025
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He’s then forced to compete in a sinister game of hide-and-seek, where even more players are eliminated.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
-
By taking on hazardous or monotonous jobs, AEON allows human workers to focus on higher-value activities, helping companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
Officers are rarely — if ever — punished for hitting or endangering bystanders.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Amanda Davila, 28, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted in January of endangering the welfare of a child in relation to the death of 6-year-old Fajr Atiya Williams.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The operator lands their FPV by the side of a track or on a rooftop and waits for possible targets, alerted either by a spotter drone or using the drone’s own camera.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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The bombing campaign against Iraq was only politically possible because Cohen had the credibility to assure his fellow Republicans and the nation that the military wasn’t acting to protect the president’s political interests.—
Time,
Time,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
-
The real version of Dave is equal parts pitiful and menacing, seductive and unable to fully pass himself as a normal person.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/threatening. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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