hovering (over)

verb

present participle of hover (over)
as in threatening
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on after the first big layoff, the possibility of losing their jobs hovered over all of the factory's workers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hovering (over)
threatening
Verb
  • The two countries have been mired in deadlocked trade negotiations, have sparred over the US threatening sanctions over India’s purchase of oil from Russia, and are now at loggerheads over immigration.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Isaias strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with 120-mph winds Friday, threatening a late-day landfall near the Alabama-Florida line as crews raced to finish preparations.
    — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of threatening
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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hovering (over)
hover (over)
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Cite this Entry

“Hovering (over).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hovering%20%28over%29. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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