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What is another word for Threatening? – 168 Threatening Synonyms

    Need another word for Threatening? Use these synonyms of Threatening from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    menacing intimidating ominous frightening alarming foreboding dangerous perilous hazardous risky precarious unstable volatile hostile aggressive belligerent bellicose pugnacious truculent combative confrontational antagonistic adversarial inimical unfavorable unfriendly discouraging disheartening demoralizing unsettling unnerving disquieting perturbing disturbing troublesome worrisome anxious fearful apprehensive sinister malevolent malignant minatory minacious

    Meaning of Threatening

    Having a strong intention or determination to do something, especially something that might be considered unpleasant or harmful.

    Definitions

    • Giving the impression that something unpleasant or harmful is likely to happen
    • * Having or showing the intention to inflict harm or damage
    • * Causing a feeling of fear or anxiety in someone

    Etymology of Threatening

    The word "threatening" comes from the verb "threaten", which is derived from the Old English word "threatian", meaning "to threaten or menace", and is related to the Old Norse word "threttan", meaning "to threaten".
    The word has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe something or someone that poses a danger or menace.

    Example Uses

    • The dark clouds looked threatening, so we decided to take a rain check on the picnic.
    • * The new policy is threatening the livelihoods of many small business owners.
    • * The company's financial situation is looking increasingly threatening, with debts mounting and profits dwindling.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    reassuring comforting soothing calming peaceful tranquil serene harmless benign non-threatening mild moderate gentle friendly favorable encouraging heartening uplifting promising optimistic hopeful cheerful welcoming inviting appealing attractive pleasant delightful charming

    Related Nouns

    threat menace danger hazard risk peril instability volatility hostility aggression belligerence combat confrontation antagonism adversity enmity unfavorable circumstance discouragement demoralization unsettlement disturbance trouble worry anxiety fear apprehension sinisterness malevolence malignancy

    Related Verbs

    threaten menace intimidate frighten alarm endanger jeopardize imperil destabilize volatile hostility aggress confront antagonize discourage demoralize unsettle disturb trouble worry fright apprehend sin malevolate malign

    Related Adjectives

    menacing intimidating ominous frightening alarming dangerous perilous hazardous risky precarious unstable volatile hostile aggressive belligerent bellicose pugnacious truculent combative confrontational antagonistic adversarial inimical unfavorable unfriendly discouraging disheartening demoralizing unsettling unnerving disquieting perturbing disturbing troublesome worrisome anxious fearful apprehensive sinister malevolent malignant