threatening

The word “threatening” means suggesting or carrying the risk of harm. In plain terms, giving off a sense of danger, or openly expressing intent to harm.

“Threatening” is pronounced THREH-tuh-nihng (/ˈθɹɛtə.nɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “threatening” used in a sentence: “Dark, threatening clouds gathered before the storm.”

Words with a similar meaning to “threatening” include minacious, menacing, baleful, threatensome, threatful and ominous.

“Threatening” is an adjective.

“Threatening” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Threatening” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: suggesting or carrying the risk of harm.

Both describe something that suggests harm, but "threatening" can refer either to an expressed intention to cause harm or to a general risk of harm, such as threatening weather. "Menacing" almost always describes a presence, look, or manner that feels dangerous, so it leans more toward atmosphere and appearance than toward an actual stated threat.

Use "threatening" when something suggests or expresses an intention to cause harm, including physical danger or risk. Use "intimidating" when the focus is on making someone feel frightened, small, or unsure, even when no harm is actually intended or likely.

Yes. Because one sense of "threatening" means suggesting or carrying the risk of harm, it commonly describes skies, clouds, or storms that look likely to turn dangerous. In this use it signals impending trouble rather than a deliberate intention to harm.