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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of menacing
Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Twenty‑inch forged alloy wheels, a wider stance, extended wheel arches and higher ride height make the SUV borderline menacing.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 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
This project, already controversial and logistically fraught, was being complicated by Lewandowski—a menacing, omnipresent operator who had no experience in immigration enforcement, but who was nonetheless quickly consolidating power at the agency.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Twenty‑inch forged alloy wheels, a wider stance, extended wheel arches and higher ride height make the SUV borderline menacing.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Chinese, too, are absolutely shocked that a great power is menacing a small neighbor and inflicting regime change by military force.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 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 Christian Bible and biblical texts also reference red or bloody moons in ominous tones.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The pizza deliveries in Daniel's name sent an ominous message, according to Salas.—
Bill Whitaker,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Standard sensors like cameras and lidar often fail in heavy rain, thick fog, or low light, creating dangerous blind spots.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
-
But, even a light glaze can be highly dangerous when driving.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The city put out a news release naming her and accusing her of endangering lives, disrupting civic engagement, silencing residents, intimidating, and interfering with democracy.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
28 Feb. 2026
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The captain was indicted last year on 17 counts of involuntary manslaughter and 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Writers Guild of America West is threatening to cancel its glitzy annual awards show as its own staff continues to strike, alleging that management has committed unfair labor practices amid first contract negotiations.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Recent product releases from Anthropic have sparked sharp declines in cybersecurity and software stocks, but yesterday's rollout wasn't seen as threatening to the software industry as Wall Street feared.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And are at this moment again pursuing their sinister ambitions.—
February 25,
NPR,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The story takes on an even more sinister air when Jennifer and Fernando reunite in Mexico.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The emergency declaration was first signed by county administrator and director of emergency services Kevin Mallen in response to hazardous materials and debris entering the Yuba River.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Boating conditions are poor to hazardous but are expected to improve through the day.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The route to Crete is significantly longer and more perilous than the short trip from Turkey to nearby Greek islands.—
LEFTERIS PITARAKIS,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The route to Crete is significantly longer and more perilous than the short trip from Turkey to nearby Greek islands.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
What enables someone to engage in this type of physically risky – even life-threatening – behavior?—
Catherine A. Sanderson,
The Conversation,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Stock market volatility now makes traditional investing risky and unpredictable.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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