threatening
THREH-tuh-nihng
Threatening (adj) means suggesting or carrying the risk of harm. Example: “The sky looked threatening, so we cancelled the picnic and went home.”
adj
1
Suggesting or carrying the risk of harm.
"Never turn your back to someone who is displaying threatening behavior."
"The sky looked threatening, so we cancelled the picnic and went home."
"A threatening grey mist rolled in over the hills."
"Dark, threatening clouds gathered before the storm."
2
Expressing an intention to cause harm.
"The letter had such a threatening tone that she handed it to the police."
"His threatening manner frightened the other customers in the shop."
"He sent a series of threatening messages to his ex-partner."
How to use threatening
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiving off a sense of danger, or openly expressing intent to harm.
Common pairings
threatening behavior
threatening letter
threatening skies
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Word forms
- Plural
- threatenings
- Comparative
- more threatening
- Superlative
- most threatening
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The sky looked _____, so we cancelled the picnic and went home.
Etymology
From threaten plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →
intimidating
alarming
sinister
looming
dangerous
forbidding
minacious
menacing
baleful
threatensome
threatful
ominous
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for threatening
evening
opening
widening
awakening
happening
weakening
deafening
maddening
listening
gardening
sickening
fattening
See all rhymes for 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.
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