as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm
a loaded gun is a menace that this household doesn't need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to endanger
to place in danger
menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
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 menace
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025
The targets of Trump’s economic aggression will accept greater hardship to preserve their dignity than American voters will for the privilege of acting like arrogant menaces.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
Trans Canada Image On his list of favorite Dispatches of 2024, Bryant Rousseau, an editor on the International desk, picked two from Canada about how motorists are menaced by moose in Newfoundland and by car thieves in Toronto.
—Ian Austen, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Dan Heching, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
The new photo contrasts the January depiction of the president, which showed the president seemingly lit from below – drawing comparisons to a camper with a flashlight under their chin telling ghost stories – and casting what could be perceived as a menacing stare at the lens.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for menace
Noun
The rebel leader played by Forest Whitaker in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (the inspiration for Andor and the narrative point the series is working toward) is introduced as more machine than man: clanking metal legs, an oxygen mask, and a wild look in his eye that suggests paranoia and menace.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025
The targets of Trump’s economic aggression will accept greater hardship to preserve their dignity than American voters will for the privilege of acting like arrogant menaces.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
The impostors then stole two hot dogs and menaced the vendor with a knife before taking off on Seventh Ave., heading toward 44th St.
Cops took one man into custody following the heist, and are looking for a second person dressed in a red hoodie, black pants and black and white sneakers.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
Trans Canada Image On his list of favorite Dispatches of 2024, Bryant Rousseau, an editor on the International desk, picked two from Canada about how motorists are menaced by moose in Newfoundland and by car thieves in Toronto.
—Ian Austen, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
From there, viewers are treated to fleeting glimpses of Elphaba working her magic, Glinda adorning herself with a glittering crown and a peek at some menacing flying monkeys.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
The new photo contrasts the January depiction of the president, which showed the president seemingly lit from below – drawing comparisons to a camper with a flashlight under their chin telling ghost stories – and casting what could be perceived as a menacing stare at the lens.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
-
Distance makes a difference when judging whether a lunge is a threat.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2025
-
Her words came a day after Munn's husband, John Mulaney, said the actress had received threats.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
-
Punched in the face That could explain the chain saw-wielding, the jumping up and down onstage, the manic baby-making and crusading for more spreading of sperm by smart people and the ominous Nazi-style salutes.—
Maureen Dowd,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
At times, the Algerian even operated as a wide forward as O’Neil grappled with a forward injury crisis and identified Ait-Nouri as his most dangerous attacking threat.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
This security problem is dangerous in many sectors of business, including financial, travel, and e-commerce.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Along the coast, a different danger is lurking — a south swell bringing with it elevated surf up to 6 feet high and rip currents.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
-
Deputy Pilot Jonathan Lozada noted that the dark surroundings added to the danger of the rescue.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
By the end of the season, President George W. Bush arrives at the family’s doorstep, masquerading as Rumi’s friend while barely concealing his sinister intentions.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
2 June 2025
-
Without giving away any spoilers, Andy turns out to be right about Laura, who has a sinister plot in store.—
Eric Andersson,
People.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
What To Know There are currently no major wildfires reported in the areas, but officials warned that hazardous conditions could rapidly change this status.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
-
The attempts to reach the group were not successful because of the hazardous conditions, so a boat was deployed to rescue the group, troopers said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
Tel looked more threatening by the end of his loan spell, but Spurs might want to renegotiate with Bayern over the £45.7million fee to make his move permanent.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
At the end of the first half, dos Santos only just got his fingertips to Mihailovic’s first — much more threatening — half-field shot.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Actually using tariffs to finance a big chunk of the federal government would be a painful and perilous undertaking, budget wonks say.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
-
Yet the prevailing winds are those of geopolitical rivalry and division, turning our greatest global commons into an increasingly contested and perilous domain.—
Sturla Henriksen,
Time,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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