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
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Recent Examples of menacing
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 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
The jury acquitted Contreras-Gafaro of nine additional charges, including theft in a range of $20,000 to $100,000, felony menacing, third-degree assault, child abuse, false imprisonment and criminal mischief, according to court records.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 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
-
Those citing such ominous scenarios envisioned other possible dangers, including the debilitation of America’s security guarantees to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil exporters.—
Paul Blustein,
Fortune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Certain signs, such as the recent decree by the municipal authorities of Damascus confining the sale of alcohol to Christian neighborhoods, are ominous.—
Alvaro Vargas Llosa,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Community members and city leaders say the combination of narrow streets, heavy foot traffic and frequent parking maneuvers can create dangerous conditions.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Assault with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Huerta pled guilty in February in Leavenworth County District Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated endangering a child, according to previous Star reporting.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee
March 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
This past week, in anticipation of today’s protest, metal gates were installed at some on- and off-ramps along the 101 Freeway in the downtown area to stop demonstrations from spilling onto the freeway, blocking traffic and endangering pedestrians.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When a series of tragic failures at New Era Community Health Center left scores of the county’s weakest, poorest and most erratic residents in danger, Florida health inspectors took the unusual step of threatening to shut down the home.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The receptionist works behind a period cabinet converted into the sort of desk Philip Marlowe would happily put his feet on and Art Deco ornamentations abound, from the beautiful clocks, to the slightly sinister candlesticks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The horror film stars Zazie Beetz as a housekeeper who works in a sinister high-rise apartment.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The advisory warns of snow, sleet, and heavy rain, with conditions likely to make roads slippery and hazardous.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Which is also super hazardous for someone in a massive suit running around [laughs].—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
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Both options would be prohibitively perilous, even before they had been telegraphed for over a week.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Critics warn that private assets are risky, complex and opaque.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
However, the approach is highly risky, requires intensive hospital care, and could risk cancer in the long term.—
Paige Bruton,
semafor.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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