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
Every step of the process was leaked, distorted, and amplified, using my name and public image to send a threatening message to the rest of the taxpayers.
—
Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 May 2026
He was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening and harassing communications.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
The sheriff's office says his injuries are serious but not life-threatening.
—Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 18 May 2026
None of the injuries were life-threatening.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
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Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 May 2026
He was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening and harassing communications.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
The sheriff's office says his injuries are serious but not life-threatening.
—Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 18 May 2026
None of the injuries were life-threatening.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for threatening
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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