menacing

adjective

men·​ac·​ing ˈme-nə-siŋ 

: presenting, suggesting, or constituting a menace or threat : threatening

a menacing look

menacing words

[Harold E. Edgerton] … was also one of the first to take photographs of the menacing mushroom cloud emanating from a nuclear blast.

—Benjamin Genocchio

Ransomware is a menacing scam that involves locking businesses out of their computers and demanding payment of a ransom in exchange for the return of company systems and data.

—Roger Williams

The image is chilling: a series of menacing bear traps laid out like footsteps.

—Emily DeNitto

menacingly adverb

A man stepped menacingly from the corner brandishing a long pole …

—Elizabeth George Speare

"If you shout his name I will curse you into oblivion," muttered Tonks menacingly …

—J. K. Rowling

Examples of menacing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026

If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2026

What is supposed to be a brief stay is extended when Pepper is deemed insubordinate by the cold and menacing staff. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

Had the Vikings added a more menacing undrafted player with upside, that would be another route. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 4 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English manacyng, from present participle of manacen "to menace entry 2"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above