menace 1 of 2

noun

ˈme-nəs How to pronounce menace (audio)
Definition of menacenext
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm a loaded gun is a menace that this household doesn't need

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menace

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to endanger
to place in danger menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended

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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

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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
Noun
In one of Nolan’s subtle but important additions to Homer’s tale, all throughout the film, everyone expresses fears about the People from the Sea, this unseen menace terrorizing different towns. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 July 2026 Earlier directives, dating to Ronald Reagan’s presidency, treated terrorism as a global menace countered through military power and diplomacy. — Melinda Haas, The Conversation, 17 July 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
  1. threat
  2. endanger
  3. threaten
  4. danger
  5. risk
Noun
  • Being on the fringes of the MVP tier as an annual 100-point pace threat while being paid just $8 million for a long time will have that effect.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of threat
Verb
  • Officials also expressed concern that any attack carried out during a crowded public event could endanger civilians, explaining why additional protective measures will be implemented at public meetings, press conferences and other appearances.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • The driver exited the freeway into Koreatown and continued speeding through surface streets, at times crossing into opposing lanes and endangering morning commuters.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of endanger
Verb
  • But after structural problems earlier this month threatened a partial collapse at one of the city’s largest such projects, regulators have intensified scrutiny.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Kansas City police are looking to the public for information after investigators say a woman threatened several people in Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood over the weekend.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Definition of threaten
Noun
  • The alerts were lifted shortly after and the authorities did not specify the nature or source of the potential danger.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Trump seems aware of the danger, yet can't help himself from hurtling toward it.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 July 2026
Definition of danger
Verb
  • The Fed often looks through supply shocks like oil market disruptions, but some analysts feel leaving rates unchanged would risk the Fed’s credibility, given Warsh’s hardline stance against inflation.
    — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Indeed, any ambitious scientist had to be in the good graces of these Big Players or risk financial ostracism and effective banishment from the halls of Big Science.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of risk

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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