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Showing results for threatening. Search instead for threatenin.
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.

In mitigation, the court heard Hamilton's messages were "pestering" but not "sexual, threatening or obscene".

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Like Julian, he’s been threatening to retire for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

As the war hit stocks, household wealth fell, threatening to dent consumer spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Yet if the U.S. military fails to secure the Strait of Hormuz, or Iran remains capable of shooting missiles and threatening damage to tankers, then oil prices would likely push higher.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

As May put on a threatening face the Red Hood just looked more confused.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley