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
Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
The warmth of the film—shot on location in Positano, Italy—only adds to its creeping, sexy menace.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026
Extreme heat fuels out of control bushfires Bushfires, fueled by the soaring temperatures, have menaced towns in the state of Victoria, prompting evacuations as volunteer firefighters attempted to douse flames around homes.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menace
Noun
In 2021, Matthew pleaded guilty to one count of domestic battery and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence or fraud.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
The warmth of the film—shot on location in Positano, Italy—only adds to its creeping, sexy menace.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
There’s real, sweat-inducing tension to scenes where Esther, alone at home with her children, is encircled and menaced by mobs of men preying on the easiest of targets.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026
Extreme heat fuels out of control bushfires Bushfires, fueled by the soaring temperatures, have menaced towns in the state of Victoria, prompting evacuations as volunteer firefighters attempted to douse flames around homes.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
-
Another double play ended the threat.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
About $589 million in revenue generated from the tax has not been used, which in part is due to a lack of flexibility in how the money can be used, as well as due to legal concerns amid a threat to overturn the initiative.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Snorkeling is easy and spectacular at the reef, which protects endangered Hawksbill turtles on Bagno di Gili, where the beach club sits, a 25-minute ride away by motor launch.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Topa Topa’s story began in early 1967, the year that the California condor was classified as endangered by the United States.—
Staff report,
Daily News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Alex Bonetig’s goal more than five minutes into extra time made the difference for Portland (4-1-5), which threatened repeatedly late to break a 1-1 stalemate that lasted nearly the entire second half.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
During the trial, the victim testified that Newton pointed a gun at the victim’s head and threatened her with it instead of attempting to pistol-whip her.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The only major difference between now and then is that Edwards is now in danger of being dragged down with his ship.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Armed federal agents broke down the door while executing a warrant for someone else, and rounded up the people inside without properly determining whether Juan was a flight risk or a danger to the community, said Lear, his immigration attorney.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Certain trees on the islands are believed to harbor these winds; to sleep beneath them is to risk possession.—
Adam Pourahmadi,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
-
An interest-rate hike could help ease inflation but risks a further cooldown of the labor market, while a rate cut may boost hiring but threatens higher inflation.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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