menace 1 of 4

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

menace

2 of 4

verb (1)

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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

menacing

3 of 4

adjective

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2

menacing

4 of 4

verb (2)

present participle of menace

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
That macabre menace, that sinister specter, the Grim Reaper, Death himself, is back with some truly outrageous ways of taking out his unsuspecting victims in the new trailer for Final Destination Bloodlines. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2025 Chaos ensues, unleashing a menace that threatens to destroy the city. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
Now, however, a fourth battle for Eurasia is raging, and the system is being menaced on every front. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 China, a rising power, subverted Hong Kong, menaced Taiwan, and sterilized Uyghur Muslims in camps, all while the liberal international order effectively shrugged and made its next purchase from Temu. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Writers who lived in the Roman Empire portrayed judges as capricious, unaccountable or swayed by menacing crowds. Nathanael Andrade, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025 With its stout bastions and menacing defense towers, Kaunas Castle is the epitome of a medieval citadel. Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for menace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menace
Noun
  • He’s become the face of President Donald Trump’s threats to abandon Ukraine, massive foreign aid cuts and a deportation policy that has split the public.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • The Dutchman’s conversion rate used to be better than that of Alexander-Arnold in his earlier years with Liverpool but his threat from set pieces is now largely restricted to trying to head in crosses and corners.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2025
  • Back to battle once again for their lives and a giant cash prize, the wordless preview sees contestants facing a series of high-stakes situations, involving guns, fists and an ominous giant gumball machine.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Maddison is responsible for dropping deep and pinging passes into dangerous areas, while Kulusevski and Bergvall are excellent ball-carriers.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • With all the drama unfolding at the Harrigan's, you could be forgiven for losing track of Harry's dangerous rescue mission.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Police departments are issuing warnings and urging parents to talk with their kids about the potential dangers, while principals are sending letters home.
    Jazmin Towe, Parents, 9 May 2025
  • Otherwise, these products – with their sleek packaging and attractive social media campaigns that obscure their dangers – remain a growing threat to our children.
    Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • While investigating the case of a teenage girl left for dead in the woods, Luminița (34), a small-town police officer, risks being swallowed into a dark, sinister world, where the unlawful meets the occult.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 May 2025
  • The real-life School of Rock founder’s former students tell a more sinister story By Ezra Marcus Hats Off! Daniel Berulis, a cyber-security expert and employee of the National Labor Relations Board.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Heavy trucks still clog roads, and residents worry about toxic dust and soil, and about hazardous waste being dumped into local landfills.
    Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
  • The Air Quality Index near fireworks often reaches the hazardous level which states everyone should avoid all physical activities outdoors.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Jonathan Williams was charged with five counts of second-degree failure to appear, two counts of first-degree failure to appear and a single count of second-degree threatening and disorderly conduct.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2025
  • There are other strong potential challengers but none are as threatening as Kemp.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • But a downside surprise could be perilous considering the recent spate of bad economic news and the prevailing angst over the way President Donald Trump is implementing tariffs against U.S. trading partners.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 May 2025
  • It’s now become emblematic of the fight to protect trans women during a politically perilous time.
    Denny, Them., 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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