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Definition of threateningly

threateningly

/ˈθrɛt.ən.ɪŋ.li/
threat · en · ing · ly
Adjective:threatening
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threateningly Lexical Profile

threateningly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a hostile, aggressive, or intimidating manner that expresses an intention to inflict harm or trouble.

Example

"The stray dog growled threateningly whenever anyone approached the fence."

2

In a way that portends or suggests approaching danger, bad weather, or an unfavorable outcome.

Example

"Heavy storm clouds gathered threateningly over the coastal hills before noon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for threateningly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for threateningly

• Rhymes for threateningly

• Nearby Words

threaten
threatener
threatening
threateningly
three
three chute
three chute falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the participial adjective 'threatening' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'; the root 'threat' derives from Old English 'þreat', meaning a crowd, pressure, or coercion.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Threateningly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/threateningly
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