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
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Trump is now the symbol, but the movement started in 1992, the year the Soviet Union disintegrated, Gone was the communist menace.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2025
But those states also have Republican governors, who would have raised holy hell if their constituents had been menaced by these roving mobs of mendicants.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Twenty‑inch forged alloy wheels, a wider stance, extended wheel arches and higher ride height make the SUV borderline menacing.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 22 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 menace
Noun
The force dispatched to the region is large enough to send a signal of real intent and menace, but probably not large enough to sustain a weekslong military offensive.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Trump is now the symbol, but the movement started in 1992, the year the Soviet Union disintegrated, Gone was the communist menace.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
Instead of continuing to menace Tehran, the president has declared victory and invited Iranians to talk.
—Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2025
But those states also have Republican governors, who would have raised holy hell if their constituents had been menaced by these roving mobs of mendicants.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2025
Adjective
This project, already controversial and logistically fraught, was being complicated by Lewandowski—a menacing, omnipresent operator who had no experience in immigration enforcement, but who was nonetheless quickly consolidating power at the agency.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Twenty‑inch forged alloy wheels, a wider stance, extended wheel arches and higher ride height make the SUV borderline menacing.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 22 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 menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
-
Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The threat underscored the dicey environment for Netflix.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Christian Bible and biblical texts also reference red or bloody moons in ominous tones.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The pizza deliveries in Daniel's name sent an ominous message, according to Salas.—
Bill Whitaker,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Standard sensors like cameras and lidar often fail in heavy rain, thick fog, or low light, creating dangerous blind spots.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
-
But, even a light glaze can be highly dangerous when driving.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Armed Black men were relied upon in moments of danger, then denied pensions, land, or political standing once the danger passed.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Democrats are wrong to reflexively oppose the president’s actions before considering the dangers Iran poses to the region and the possibility of a more peaceful Middle East.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The murders themselves are obviously very sinister, but the circumstances surrounding them undermine the show’s drama and lean toward the absurd.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2026
-
But the updraft that struck Flight SQ321 was of a more sinister sort.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Large equipment can be hazardous to operate safely, and a large stump can outmatch a large skid steer.—
Daniel Scott,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Several people wearing hazardous materials gear walking into a home in Irvine where FBI officials are investigating suspicious materials that were found at a home laboratory.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Another protective order was filed by his ex-wife’s male coworker, who Culleton was allegedly stalking and threatening.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Gemini appeared confused and unpredictable, switching between peaceful signaling and threatening violence, based on the situation.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The route to Crete is significantly longer and more perilous than the short trip from Turkey to nearby Greek islands.—
LEFTERIS PITARAKIS,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The route to Crete is significantly longer and more perilous than the short trip from Turkey to nearby Greek islands.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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