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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of menace
James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
The film ratchets up Bobby’s menace and expands his role in the plot.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
George Avalos, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Down the road from Ford’s Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Colby Wu, co-owner of Stratus Plastics, laid out a series of near-death experiences that have menaced the company founded by his father, William Wu, who came with his family as refugees from Mao’s China in 1965.
—Ian Austen, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for menace
Noun
However, when Astrid breaks open a portal to the afterlife, Lydia is forced to summon the pinstriped menace who's never really left her mind to try and save her family.
—James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
The film ratchets up Bobby’s menace and expands his role in the plot.
—EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
The August 2024 blaze forced some people to flee as the flames menaced their homes, witnesses told this news organization.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Down the road from Ford’s Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Colby Wu, co-owner of Stratus Plastics, laid out a series of near-death experiences that have menaced the company founded by his father, William Wu, who came with his family as refugees from Mao’s China in 1965.
—Ian Austen, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
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It was postponed indefinitely due to the federal takeover threat.—
Deena Zaru,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
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The threats are sometimes even leveled against family members.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ignoring that lesson endangers economies and ingenuity.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Aside from disease, the creatures are vulnerable to habitat loss, animal attacks and being hit by cars, and were named critically endangered in 2022, according to Australia’s World Wildlife Fund (WWF).—
Amy Woodyatt,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Trump has also taken an unusually hands-on approach to pressure policy and leadership changes at a slew of colleges and universities by freezing, or threatening to withhold, federal funding at campuses, including Columbia, George Mason, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Brown, and Michigan.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
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The clause allows a NATO member to convene a meeting of allies to consult on an issue that could threaten its security.—
Will Gretsky,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Concerns have already been raised over the dangers of nudification apps that can be used to create pornographic images of people without their consent.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Wildfire danger shifts specifically to California over the next few months, Aman said.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Each was eager to receive as much drugs as Colombia would send, ready and willing to risk their freedom for a hefty payday.—
Martin Suarez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
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Leaders who fail to see these warning signs risk creating a culture where dysfunction becomes the norm.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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