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
Relevance
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
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 menace
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
Her recent work revives a dreamy Renaissance style to show its absurd incompatibility with the raging, petulant menaces in whom the world’s power is concentrated.
—
Eugenie Brinkema,
ARTnews.com,
14 June 2026
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
Donald menaced Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow all game, recording two sacks, four combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits in one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for menace
Noun
Yet for all its menace, the ZR1 is surprisingly approachable.
—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
Her recent work revives a dreamy Renaissance style to show its absurd incompatibility with the raging, petulant menaces in whom the world’s power is concentrated.
—
Eugenie Brinkema,
ARTnews.com,
14 June 2026
Verb
Fueled by gusting winds and warm temperatures, multiple large wildfires continued to menace Southern California on Wednesday, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate, authorities said.
—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
Donald menaced Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow all game, recording two sacks, four combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits in one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
-
Like Alito’s paisanes, my Mexican family was also demonized for supposedly being insufficiently American and posing a threat to national unity.
-
Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.
Verb
-
The zoo called Nangka's birth a major achievement for the genetic diversity and conservation of the species, which is critically endangered.
-
Court records show Pawnell faces charges including second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.
Verb
-
The caller reported that a family member was threatening them.
-
In the weeks since Fable 5 and Mythos 5 were forced out of commission, industry leaders and experts became increasingly worried that the ad-hoc ban would threaten America’s AI lead against China.
Noun
-
King is the team’s setup man and in no danger of a demotion.
-
Despite the danger airborne particles pose to human health, many have been released legally into the atmosphere.
Verb
-
The trial court risked prejudicing the jury by improperly admitting evidence about Mead Johnson’s finances, including its revenues, profits, and executive compensation, the appeals court said.
-
Delaying much beyond that risks the continuity that has sustained collider physics for generations.
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
