threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
is threatening
-
present progressiveof threaten (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
David Ellison is threatening to pull Paramount out of Hollywood if the state continues its lawsuit against his merger.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2026
Artificial intelligence is threatening the future of entry-level jobs in the fields many people study in college.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026
There is plenty to protest in the plan: Trump is threatening to install gold accents throughout the buildings, and renderings show a new covered walkway that could interrupt the clean lines of Saarinen’s facade.
From Slate ● Aug. 18, 2026
The heat is threatening harvests across the Continent, raising the spectre of soaring food prices.
From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026
The landlord is threatening to evict us because of the odor.
From "Holes" by Louis Sachar
