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
City Manager Dan Dugger’s recent behavior — walking down from the chambers to confront a civilian in a threatening manner, yelling obscenities, and ultimately being restrained by law enforcement — is not just a single lapse in judgment.
—
Dominick Vargas, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Now, Harrison fears for those who could face even more threatening weather in Malibu this week.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
High winds and fire danger remain major threats and a host of the most threatening fires are still not contained.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Another big pass from Russell Wilson to Pickens, this one for 26 yards to move the ball to the Baltimore 38-yard line, put the Steelers in a threatening position.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for threatening 
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Dominick Vargas, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Now, Harrison fears for those who could face even more threatening weather in Malibu this week.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
High winds and fire danger remain major threats and a host of the most threatening fires are still not contained.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Another big pass from Russell Wilson to Pickens, this one for 26 yards to move the ball to the Baltimore 38-yard line, put the Steelers in a threatening position.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for threatening
Dictionary Entries Near threatening
Cite this Entry
“Threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatening. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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