Definitions

threatening

[thret-n-ing] / ˈθrɛt n ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

menacing, ominous

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggressive alarming cautionary dangerous dire sinister ugly

STRONG

bullying close impending looming lowering near overhanging portending scowling terrorizing warning

WEAK

apocalyptic at hand baleful baneful comminatory fateful forthcoming grim ill-boding imminent impendent inauspicious intimidatory loury lowery minacious minatory portentous unlucky unpropitious unsafe upcoming

Antonyms

STRONGEST

good kind nice safe

STRONG

away distant far remote

WEAK

pleasant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Individual members threatening expulsion votes was the next logical step.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

In the film, Rogan reads from Swan’s book, Countdown, that “the modern world is threatening sperm counts and is imperiling the future of the human race.”

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

He raised the idea of Iran threatening the UK with nuclear missiles, sayign that security was a greater concern.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Suspicion also falls on the married owner of the Sahara, who was secretly in love with Zakia, and the dead woman’s boyfriend, who is arrested on evidence of a threatening letter supposedly written by him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

I can feel the tears threatening but I don’t want to cry in front of everyone.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Vocabulary lists containing threatening

myPerspectives 7.2

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List 6

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Uh-Oh: Synonyms for "Dangerous"

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