menace 1 of 4

Definition of menacenext
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm a loaded gun is a menace that this household doesn't need

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menace

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verb (1)

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as in to threaten
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

menacing

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adjective

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2

menacing

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verb (2)

present participle of menace
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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 menace
Noun
Yet for all its menace, the ZR1 is surprisingly approachable. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 Her recent work revives a dreamy Renaissance style to show its absurd incompatibility with the raging, petulant menaces in whom the world’s power is concentrated. Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
Donald menaced Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow all game, recording two sacks, four combined tackles, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits in one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history. Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026 For too long, the Iranian regime has targeted the United States, threatened our allies and menaced its neighbors. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adjective
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 The last four movies have had creepy, menacing characters such as Sid, Stinky Pete, Gabby Gabby and the Bensons ventriloquist dummies. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Verb
Santiago was charged with menacing a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
  • Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, officials are pausing data center development for one year, with vocal neighbors arguing that the risk posed by a controversial project outweigh the threat of litigation.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Two weeks ago, Lutnick invoked export control authorities to require Anthropic to shut off access to its two most capable systems, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing threats to national security.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Zapata-Vera is charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death and two counts of third-degree endangering an injured victim, the prosecutor's office said.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
  • In addition to environmental education and advocacy, the center’s mission includes propagating rare and endangered native plants and rehabilitating birds of prey, reptiles and amphibians.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • But labor unions and safety experts warn driverless big rigs could threaten jobs and public safety.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Severe storms, flash flooding and extreme heat are battering parts of the Plains, Midwest and the South this weekend, threatening to disrupt World Cup fans, athletes and holiday travelers alike.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Meteorologists warn above-average temperatures and low humidity from the Rockies to the Pacific are elevating fire danger.
    Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • The dry conditions have also created high fire danger in parts of the state.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • At its core, the play examines what happens when loyalty to an institution collides with a commitment to the truth, as a young lawyer risks his career to challenge powerful military leaders and expose wrongdoing within the ranks.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • The victories of Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier show the growing power of a progressive bloc that risks stealing the party’s megaphone during a campaign that Democrats had hoped to center on affordability, not aid to Israel.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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