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.

The court heard Doughty, a retired HGV driver, has two previous convictions for battery and threatening behaviour.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

We’ve been able to ruthlessly and mostly successfully smother the group from threatening the U.S. mainland and American interests abroad.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

“Burke wanted to maintain a lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening on that night,” Hochman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Oil prices jumped 4% amid peace talk uncertainty, threatening airline earnings due to surging jet fuel costs.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Ahead, the forest rose up dark and threatening.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing threatening

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