1
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
warns that the emergence of new viruses is one of the most menacing developments we face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
fears that the unemployment rate may be reaching menacing proportions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in endangering
to place in danger
menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in threatening
to remain poised to inflict harm, danger, or distress on
stockpiles of nuclear weapons that continue to menace the inhabitants of this planet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of menacing
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
The last four movies have had creepy, menacing characters such as Sid, Stinky Pete, Gabby Gabby and the Bensons ventriloquist dummies.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Some argue that the only way to stop Iran from menacing the region and its people is to crush this regime.
—Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menacing
Adjective
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
The last four movies have had creepy, menacing characters such as Sid, Stinky Pete, Gabby Gabby and the Bensons ventriloquist dummies.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Verb
Santiago was charged with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Some argue that the only way to stop Iran from menacing the region and its people is to crush this regime.
—Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menacing
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
22 June 2026
-
Listening to most records felt shaky, ominous, like reintroducing food after a stomach bug.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Adjective
-
Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.—
Faye Chiu,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
-
Sometimes, the streets appear glittering; other times, seedy and dangerous.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
Sunshyne Davis, 25, and Robert White, 39, have been charged with murder, manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
This prompted Tanshi and another bat specialist, Benneth Obitte, to set up the Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON) in 2016, which helps protect bats and other small creatures from things that may be endangering them including wildfires.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Without the money, the town drew a hard line, threatening to withhold the necessary licensing needed for Gillette Stadium and Kraft Sports Entertainment LLC to host World Cup games in the town.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
High yields in bond markets worldwide caused by worries about inflation have already been threatening to slow economies and undercut prices for all kinds of investments.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
At the very least, they are connected to a sinister entity that preys on the minds of its victims.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
-
There’s been something sinister afoot in provincial France in recent years.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
-
The 12% concentrate is significantly more hazardous than the standard household version.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
-
They are packed by smugglers into small and unsafe boats, with thousands dying during the perilous sea journey.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
In one of them he was seen hanging from the edge of a rocky cliff using his bare hands, his legs dangling toward a steep slope in a risky performance without safety equipment.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
Regalado said Miami-Dade was rushing into a risky legal fight.—
Douglas Hanks
June 16,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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