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
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Recent Examples of menacing
Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 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
James was also arraigned on harassment and menacing charges, accused of threatening an ex-girlfriend with a knife in a separate incident.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 28 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
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Imagine the surprise, and relief, of all those allied troops who drove into Baghdad without once hearing the ominous cry GAS!—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That $67 ticket informed me that the airline was selling seats to fill planes and slashing staff and services to dangerous levels.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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But the industry’s modern threats, while not wholly unprecedented, are dangerous in ways that are genuinely alarming.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But first leaders from both parties need to talk seriously about what is needed to protect our borders without endangering the rights and freedoms that make this country so attractive in the first place.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
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According to court paperwork, Ian and Corrine Dryburgh have been charged with endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, and furnishing liquor to minors stemming from the incident that happened at a home in Plum Borough late last month.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Small unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly capable of threatening frontline troops, armored vehicles, logistics convoys, border installations, airports, and other sensitive facilities.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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Justice Department pardon attorney Ed Martin faces ethics charges for threatening to block hiring of Georgetown Law students unless the school eliminated DEI programs.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
11 Mar. 2026
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Dumas’ sinister seductress Milady is now a British spy helping the Nazis.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Scientists warn that this chemical fallout is far more hazardous and complex than standard urban pollution.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
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Some hazardous storms ongoing Wednesday morning in the Midwest and Texas will get another boost of energy in the afternoon as the threat stretches out and tracks east.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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As one of South Africa’s most daring new voices, Meekaeel Adam makes his directorial debut in this gripping story, set in 1846, of a Dutch-Afrikaans family and their British benefactor who make the perilous journey across the Kalahari Desert, watched over by two shapeshifting spirits.—
Thinus Ferreira,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
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Raffensperger’s departure comes as FanDuel and parent Flutter try to bounce back from a perilous period.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Similar strikes to take out North Korea's leadership would be far riskier and less likely to succeed, said Hong Min, an analyst at South Korea's Institute for National Unification.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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That sounds risky, but she was told by a doctor that the procedure doesn't require surgery and that the hole will close by itself.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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