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
Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
The warmth of the film—shot on location in Positano, Italy—only adds to its creeping, sexy menace.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
There’s real, sweat-inducing tension to scenes where Esther, alone at home with her children, is encircled and menaced by mobs of men preying on the easiest of targets.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
In addition, his rhetoric toward both countries has turned increasingly hostile and menacing.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 Apr. 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 2021, Matthew pleaded guilty to one count of domestic battery and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence or fraud.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
The warmth of the film—shot on location in Positano, Italy—only adds to its creeping, sexy menace.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
Iran and its proxies have menaced America and American lives, undermined our core national interests, systematically destabilized the Middle East, and threatened the security of the entire West.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
There’s real, sweat-inducing tension to scenes where Esther, alone at home with her children, is encircled and menaced by mobs of men preying on the easiest of targets.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
In addition, his rhetoric toward both countries has turned increasingly hostile and menacing.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 Apr. 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
-
Another double play ended the threat.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
About $589 million in revenue generated from the tax has not been used, which in part is due to a lack of flexibility in how the money can be used, as well as due to legal concerns amid a threat to overturn the initiative.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
-
With the game tied and things looking ominous for the Galaxy, Elijah Wynder was held on a cross into the box.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The procedures noted that in some cases, outing students to parents could be dangerous to their health and well-being, and school officials should ask the students for consent to notify their parents of the support plan.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The world is more dangerous for leaders, across multiple dimensions.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The only major difference between now and then is that Edwards is now in danger of being dragged down with his ship.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Armed federal agents broke down the door while executing a warrant for someone else, and rounded up the people inside without properly determining whether Juan was a flight risk or a danger to the community, said Lear, his immigration attorney.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Chesnutt wasn’t alone in these sometimes sinister tones.—
David Harris,
SPIN,
21 Apr. 2026
-
But then that progressive veneer is implicated in something deeply sinister.—
Brittany Delay,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The process generates minimal hazardous waste, and the solvent can be reused, reducing both environmental impact and operating costs.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The company’s new Soko Shadow dye technique gives garments unique, multi-tone depth while eliminating the discharge of hazardous chemicals.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Libertini said his injuries did not appear life-threatening.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Each of their injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This narrative series tells Samia’s extraordinary story of resilience, ambition, and the perilous intersection of sport, war, and migration.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
-
More than 6,500 Rohingya attempted perilous sea crossings that year, with one in seven reported missing or dead, the UNHCR said in a statement from Geneva.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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