as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm
a loaded gun is a menace that this household doesn't need
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to endanger
to place in danger
menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to threaten
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
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Recent Examples of menace
Neda Ulaby, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
Tipping hints at an aura of menace surrounding young Cade, some dark, pseudospiritual force threatening to pull him in.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Iran has supplied Russia with its Shahed explosive drones, also known as kamikaze uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that have long menaced Ukrainian cities.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for menace
Noun
His mentor Isaiah White is played with low-key menace by Marlon Wayans, the multi-hyphenate Hollywood legend known for acting in, writing and producing multiple iterations of the Scary Movie franchise, among many other films, shows and comedy specials.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
Tipping hints at an aura of menace surrounding young Cade, some dark, pseudospiritual force threatening to pull him in.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
The reptilian head, the jaws with sharpened teeth have menaced people in Aliens, Gremlins, Predator, and other movies.
—David Denby, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Iran has supplied Russia with its Shahed explosive drones, also known as kamikaze uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that have long menaced Ukrainian cities.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
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At least eight Salvadoran officials who had been investigating MS-13 and corruption, including some who had worked with Vulcan agents, fled the country after threats, harassment, and searches of their homes and offices.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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But the Yates family’s lawsuit argues that both deputies and psychiatric staff knew Ruis posed a threat.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The three accused, who police only identified by first names and initials of their last names, were charged with membership in a foreign terrorist organization and preparing an act of violence endangering the state.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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The crowding of emergency rooms on hot days strains the state's economy and medical system while endangering residents who may need the attention of limited providers for other hospital care.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The President and his allies have also repeatedly asserted in recent days that Democrats are threatening to shut down the government to secure public money for undocumented migrants, despite the claim being widely debunked.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
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Additional revelations hint of Kiri's evolving powers, the menacing Quaritch bonding with Varang to help defeat the Na'vi, a spectacular air/sea clash between the Ash People, the RDA, and the Na’vi, and Spider threatening to kill someone offscreen.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For Moura, the echoes of Brazil’s dictatorship and the dangers of authoritarianism repeating itself, fed directly into The Secret Agent.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Sep. 2025
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The greater danger is that alarmist messaging will discourage pregnant women from treating pain or fever – putting both themselves and their babies at risk.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Just as Erik ten Hag told David de Gea to kick the ball long for the visit of Liverpool in August 2022 after losing his opening two games in charge, Amorim instructed Senne Lammens, on his debut, to not risk an easy concession by passing possession short.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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Mullally also becomes the ceremonial head of some 85 million Anglicans worldwide, with the appointment of a woman risking deeper theological divides with some of the more conservative branches of the church in African nations.—
Muvija M,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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