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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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In the ancient kingship tradition, endangering the empire would cause a king to lose his farr.—
Azadeh Moaveni,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
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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
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Trump has vacillated between indifference and contempt for the USMCA, at times threatening to pull out of the agreement altogether and work instead to negotiate two separate, bilateral deals with Mexico and Canada.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
18 Mar. 2026
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But thanks to mad scientist and some dodgy experimentation, there is a harry creature on the loose, threatening to ruin the party.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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McTeigue created subtle variations on the mask so that V could look slightly more sinister or benevolent depending on the lighting.—
Matthew Huff,
IndieWire,
17 Mar. 2026
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Iliopoulos demonstrates once again how the unwillingness of political authorities to respect an international treaty transforms both the native population and the newcomers into hostages of a sinister and clumsy social engineering project.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Mar. 2026
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And while the area's temperatures are rather lovely year-round, the region's increasingly hazardous air pollution makes visits from February through March seriously uncomfortable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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China has traditionally sought to emphasize commerce and play peacemaker, avoiding risky involvement in regional conflicts.—
Lyle Goldstein,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
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Industry experts say entitlement, risky decisions and cultural missteps are causing more travelers to sabotage their own trips.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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