Synonyms for
Threatening
Definition
causing or suggesting a threat of harm, danger, or damage
Synonyms & similar words
threaten
sullen
imperil
jeopardise
baleful
forbidding
jeopardize
minacious
minatory
menacing
heavy
lowering
endanger
peril
menace
ominous
sinister
ominous
menacing
intimidating
frightening
alarming
dangerous
sinister
foreboding
ominous-looking
daunting
terrifying
fearsome
petrifying
horrible
dreadful
terrible
fearful
ghastly
horrendous
hair-raising
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- threatening to
- threatening gesture
- threatening manner
- threatening look
- threatening storm
- threatening behavior
- threatening note
Word family
Usage note
Often used to describe something that appears likely to cause harm or danger. Be mindful of the intensity; 'threatening' implies a more direct and immediate danger than 'ominous'.
Example sentences
- The bully was threatening to hit the other kids.
- The storm clouds were threatening to ruin our picnic.
- The teacher was threatening to give the students extra homework if they didn't behave.
- The barking dog was threatening to bite the mailman.
- The dark alley looked threatening and scary.
Quotes
The only true way to deal with fear is to face it head on in a threatening and intimidating way. - Jordan Belfort
The most threatening scenario is the one where we understand the world around us the least. - Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The most threatening force to human freedom is the government. - Ludwig von Mises