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
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
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
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
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
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Her words came a day after Munn's husband, John Mulaney, said the actress had received threats.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Critics, including lawmakers from both parties, have warned that sharing pre-strike details on an unsecured app could have endangered U.S. pilots.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
The species is considered critically endangered due to its limited distribution and ongoing habitat threats.—
Real-Time news team,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 June 2025
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But those houses are increasingly threatened by wildfire, floods and heat.—
Ryan Kellman,
NPR,
15 June 2025
Noun
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Our teams just had to deal with something extremely traumatizing and when faced with personal risk to their own lives, chose to run towards the danger in order to serve this community.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
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Some fans were quick to show concern for Paltrow in the comments, warning the Goop founder about the dangers of topless cooking.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Conversely, adding capacity without aligning inventory policies risks idle assets or ongoing shortages.—
Dileep Rai,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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In using force against his own citizens, the leader risks alienating supporters and activating resistance. June 11, 2025 What happens next in Los Angeles between the military and protesters — which group is perceived as the aggressors — may likely determine what happens next in our democracy.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Menace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menace. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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