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.

Bragging, threatening, and posturing are all frowned upon.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Meanwhile, the blockade would tighten the already challenging supply-and-demand equation for the global oil market, threatening to drive prices sharply higher.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Ismael Arvizu, 26, said he was charged with trespassing, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest and threatening a public official.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Instead of costly doubles threatening to derail his progress, there was a flurry of birdies late in a sensational second round which helped McIlroy accelerate away from the chasing pack.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Much like Hamilton’s financial plan, any effective emancipation initiative conjured up fears of the much-dreaded “consolidation” that the Virginians, more than anyone else, found so threatening.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing threatening

myPerspectives 7.2

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Uh-Oh: Synonyms for "Dangerous"

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