threaten
verb (used with object)
to utter a threat against; menace.
threateningly
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a word derived from
threaten.
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a word derived from
threatening.
threateningadjectivetending or intended to menace.
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.
Only 5’ 8”, Robinson can appear threateningly huge.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2025
“In this case, the three hostages were not moving threateningly and held up a white flag; therefore, it was right to confirm the identification before firing,” he said.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 28, 2023
Three of the assemblages incorporate electric warmers of various kinds, including one that dangles threateningly over four beeswax tongues that, according to the piece’s title, have “very little to say.”
From Washington Post ● Dec. 23, 2022
The hosts eventually stormed to a 41-17 win with threateningly impressive individual performances from wings Portia Woodman and Ruby Tui.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2022
And I saw the squat man shake his fist angrily over the uplifted faces, yelling something in a staccato West Indian accent, at which the crowd yelled threateningly.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
