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
Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
The character who, in the show’s first two seasons, generated much of the show’s intrigue and menace thanks to his barely controllable rage, had been brought low by life.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 25 May 2026
Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Bruce, as the stunt shark built to menace them is nicknamed, is acting up and delaying the acting itself.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menace
Noun
In the row behind him was Jameson’s favorite masked menace, reading a copy of the Daily Bugle.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
The character who, in the show’s first two seasons, generated much of the show’s intrigue and menace thanks to his barely controllable rage, had been brought low by life.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 25 May 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
Bruce, as the stunt shark built to menace them is nicknamed, is acting up and delaying the acting itself.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
-
Walter Urbon then flew out to right to end the threat.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
At its height nearly 20 years ago, India’s leader described the Maoists as the country’s biggest internal security threat, a blight on its status as the world’s largest democracy and its aspirations of becoming a global power.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Like with Saenz, the no-contact order hinged on the evaluation of a psychologist, who testified that Michelle was angry and paranoid and might endanger their son in her pursuit of revenge against his father, according to court filings.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
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Clendenning said releasing Zeinab from custody would pose an unacceptable risk of endangering the safety and welfare of the public.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Point Loma threatened to tie the game in the sixth and probably would have done so if not for the defensive play of the game.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
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Higher education institutions have been staring down a looming demographic reality that threatens not only their financial well-being but the nation’s workforce at large.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
As Rose grapples with the gaps in her memory, the two encounter danger and violence.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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Elevated fire danger in northern Michigan has prompted the Department of Natural Resources to urge anyone in the area to be careful while engaging in activities outside.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Verb
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The idea that enterprise companies across the globe would risk their data by attempting to stand up their own cybersecurity solutions by leveraging an AI model is, indeed, proving fanciful.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
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After discovering the related national security concerns and a potential existential threat, Jay defied powerful institutional gatekeepers and risked everything in order to reveal that humanity is not alone in the universe and to ensure the government takes action.—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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