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.

Toss in whatever herbs are threatening to wilt in your refrigerator.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2026

The two men were the intended victims and were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the department said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

The showers are likely to continue to grow, threatening disruption.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2026

A brutal heatwave hit peak temperatures across the eastern United States on Friday, straining power grids, threatening World Cup matches and playing havoc with celebrations for America's 250th independence anniversary.

From Barron's • Jul. 3, 2026

Curled up, the dragon was no bigger than a medium-sized grapefruit, and about as threatening.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Vocabulary lists containing threatening

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