threatening
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for threatening, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Suggesting or carrying the risk of harm.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use threatening
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From threaten plus -ing.
Full origin of threatening →Frequently asked questions
What does “threatening” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “threatening”?
“Threatening” is pronounced THREH-tuh-nihng (/ˈθɹɛtə.nɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “threatening” in a sentence?
Here is “threatening” used in a sentence: “Dark, threatening clouds gathered before the storm.”
What is another word for “threatening”?
Words with a similar meaning to “threatening” include minacious, menacing, baleful, threatensome, threatful and ominous.
What part of speech is “threatening”?
“Threatening” is an adjective.
Is “threatening” a common word?
“Threatening” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “threatening” have?
“Threatening” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: suggesting or carrying the risk of harm.
What is the difference between "threatening" and "menacing"?
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.
When should you use "threatening" instead of "intimidating"?
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.
Can "threatening" describe weather or a situation rather than a person?
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.