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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of menacing
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Much of Bill Belichick’s menacing aura has evaporated into the ether, never to return.
—Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 June 2025
One notable redesign, though, was the menacing Red Death, the queen of the dragon hive on the Isle of Berk.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
Isaacs first portrayed Lucius — the slightly menacing father of Draco Malfoy — in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for menacing
Adjective
The mushroom’s healing properties also lead to hallucinations, often involving mysterious white imps, who should be adorable and instead come across as menacing little ghouls.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Much of Bill Belichick’s menacing aura has evaporated into the ether, never to return.
—Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 June 2025
One notable redesign, though, was the menacing Red Death, the queen of the dragon hive on the Isle of Berk.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
Isaacs first portrayed Lucius — the slightly menacing father of Draco Malfoy — in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 June 2025
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,
17 June 2025
-
In another ominous sign, inventory levels have risen +1.7%.—
Robert Barone,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
While use of chrysotile asbestos was on the decline, the dangerous mineral has lingered in various gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, other vehicle friction products, and some diaphragms used to make sodium hydroxide and chlorine.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
17 June 2025
-
He was found guilty of corruption, and he should have been considered a dangerous criminal.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
Officers are rarely — if ever — punished for hitting or endangering bystanders.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Still others chase a motorbike onto the sidewalk, endangering nearby pedestrians.—
Eric Umansky,
ProPublica,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Richard curses again, threatening Blum.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The Palisades fire has garnered headlines, but the Hurst and Eaton fires have also been threatening very populated areas.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Mitchell returned to the family’s Salt Lake City home months later with sinister intentions.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
8 June 2025
-
Picking from hundreds of hours of original, low-budget TV ads, Glassman tells the sinister tale of two restaurants battling it out in the town of Westridge County.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
Many analysts believe that robots like the K2 are likely to complement human workers by taking over monotonous or hazardous duties, which allows people to focus on more complex, creative, or supervisory tasks.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
-
In addition, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration offers a heat safety tool app that warns if conditions are becoming hazardous.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The deepest fear: Just four years after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan ended America's longest war, the United States is now enmeshed in another war in a volatile region, with perilous and uncertain consequences.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
-
The Darién Gap, long a perilous route for millions of migrants traveling north toward the United States, has also become a pathway for the northward spread of the New World screwworm—a parasitic fly now challenging decades of containment efforts.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
After multiple years of development invested in most of Booth’s draftees, that type of deal would also be risky in its own right.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
24 June 2025
-
Howe may have a change of approach in mind, but such a hefty outlay on a player who doesn’t solve an obvious tactical conundrum is risky at the very least.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share