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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of menace
Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
The character who, in the show’s first two seasons, generated much of the show’s intrigue and menace thanks to his barely controllable rage, had been brought low by life.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 25 May 2026
Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Bruce, as the stunt shark built to menace them is nicknamed, is acting up and delaying the acting itself.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 25 May 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, 24 May 2026
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
Noun
In the row behind him was Jameson’s favorite masked menace, reading a copy of the Daily Bugle.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
The character who, in the show’s first two seasons, generated much of the show’s intrigue and menace thanks to his barely controllable rage, had been brought low by life.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 25 May 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
Bruce, as the stunt shark built to menace them is nicknamed, is acting up and delaying the acting itself.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
He was charged with two counts of torture of a dog or cat, two counts of second-degree cruelty to animals, one count of menacing and one count of third-degree terroristic threatening, per online jail records reviewed by PEOPLE.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 25 May 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, 24 May 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
-
Walter Urbon then flew out to right to end the threat.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
At its height nearly 20 years ago, India’s leader described the Maoists as the country’s biggest internal security threat, a blight on its status as the world’s largest democracy and its aspirations of becoming a global power.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Like with Saenz, the no-contact order hinged on the evaluation of a psychologist, who testified that Michelle was angry and paranoid and might endanger their son in her pursuit of revenge against his father, according to court filings.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
-
Clendenning said releasing Zeinab from custody would pose an unacceptable risk of endangering the safety and welfare of the public.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Point Loma threatened to tie the game in the sixth and probably would have done so if not for the defensive play of the game.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
Higher education institutions have been staring down a looming demographic reality that threatens not only their financial well-being but the nation’s workforce at large.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
The exterior further defines the massive, ominous-looking truck.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Brith had shut her eyes, finding that the sparks were still living on the inside of the lids, vivid in their dangerous dark.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
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Carpenter says the disturbing encounters left her fearful for her safety and that of relatives living with her, as police label the suspect’s fixation irrational and increasingly dangerous.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
All were arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct along with either endangering another person or obstruction of justice, state police said.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
The New Jersey State Police said in a statement that one of those faced a charge of disorderly conduct and endangering another person and the other five were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice.—
Daniella Silva,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
TdA members maintain control over their victims by threatening their families, assaulting them, and tracking down and kidnapping women who attempt to flee.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
-
High yields worldwide are threatening to slow economies and undercut prices for stocks and all kinds of other investments.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
As Rose grapples with the gaps in her memory, the two encounter danger and violence.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Elevated fire danger in northern Michigan has prompted the Department of Natural Resources to urge anyone in the area to be careful while engaging in activities outside.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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