1
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
warns that the emergence of new viruses is one of the most menacing developments we face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dangerous
involving potential loss or injury
fears that the unemployment rate may be reaching menacing proportions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in endangering
to place in danger
menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in threatening
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 menacing
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
As the two catch up, Crudup veers from good-natured to sorrowful to bitter to menacing in a matter of minutes.
—Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menacing
Adjective
Cops arrested him on robbery, menacing and endangering the welfare of a child charges for the Tuesday hold up.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Some argue that the only way to stop Iran from menacing the region and its people is to crush this regime.
—Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
As the two catch up, Crudup veers from good-natured to sorrowful to bitter to menacing in a matter of minutes.
—Jenelle Riley, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for menacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menacing
Adjective
-
The sheer scale, bustle and energy reflected the depth of the industry, even as the ominous rumblings of global trade continued in the background.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Dune’s author didn’t necessarily intend the Butlerian Jihad to be an ominous warning.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Interestingly, this new Wi-Fi chip could finally enable the wireless control needed to make these dangerous cleanups faster and safer.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The chief medical officer for Huntington Beach Fire said the Southern Pacific rattlesnake found locally can produce a highly dangerous neurotoxic venom.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the ancient kingship tradition, endangering the empire would cause a king to lose his farr.—
Azadeh Moaveni,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Kendra Duggar is facing four counts each of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree false imprisonment, according to the Tontitow Police Department in Arkansas.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Iran maintains its stranglehold on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, causing gas prices to spike and threatening the global economy.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Erie, for example, is one of the communities currently threatening to cut off water access to residents who are overusing water at this time.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
White noise swirls like smoke and Kenyan guest vocalist Lord Spikeheart’s sinister laughter punctuates the murk.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
25 Mar. 2026
-
As labor complications ensue, a blizzard rages outside trapping the family in their home – sitting ducks for whatever sinister presence might be in there with them.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The permit exempts SpaceX from having to follow some regulations pertaining to the packaging and labeling of hazardous materials, specifically, the lithium ion batteries that are installed on Starship parts.—
Brandon Lingle,
San Antonio Express-News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Far more hazardous weapons have been made, used, and disposed of in the past.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Adapted from a Japanese novel, the unusual story revolves around a spirit responsible for guiding transient souls to their next reincarnation, who embarks on a perilous mission with a young girl to prevent her being overwhelmed by her anger and transforming into a monster.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
And in a place like University City, that has historically made ambitious independent restaurants the riskier bet.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Scaling up from a small model to a full-sized quadrotor biplane is much riskier, so the team is building an exact digital replica first.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
