menacing 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of menacingnext
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

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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

menacing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of menace
1
as in endangering
to place in danger menaced the children by leaving them in the car unattended

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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 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 menacing
Adjective
Andrew Truelove, 41, was charged with hate crimes burglary and menacing, as well as criminal trespass and harassment after allegedly swinging at Melvin Thursday morning. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026 He was charged with two felonies — burglary in the third degree as a hate crime, and menacing in the third degree as a hate crime, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said Friday, July 17. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 20 July 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 menacing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for menacing
  1. ominous
  2. dangerous
  3. endangering
  4. threatening
  5. sinister
  6. hazardous
  7. perilous
  8. risky
Adjective
  • These recent actions, while ominous, are only the latest salvoes.
    — James Robenalt, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
  • Thanos, the ominous figure glimpsed in the post-credits scene of The Avengers in 2012, had a face, and a two-time Oscar nominee face at that.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • Despite Penta's aggressive offense and dangerous maneuvers, Gable persevered, ultimately making Penta submit with a decisive ankle lock, securing a triumphant and emotional victory.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Three wildfires are burning in Spokane County, Washington, and thousands of families have been ordered to flee their homes overnight, as state officials warn of an incredibly dangerous situation and brace for what daylight may reveal.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of dangerous
Verb
  • In 2012, China occupied Scarborough Shoal, a traditional Filipino fishing ground inside the Philippines’ EEZ, endangering the lives of Philippine personnel and fishermen in the process.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The coaches were hit with charges of conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of endangering
Verb
  • Over the next few years, he was charged and found guilty of second-degree theft, abuse of family members, and threatening behavior, but never served more than 10 days in jail.
    — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Life threatening flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses continues.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of threatening
Adjective
  • There was something so sinister about FIFA pushing the idea of diversity while bending the knee to a government working to discard the real thing.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Outside, the cops, led by a dry sinister officer in a long black leather coat, order him to get on the ground, face down; Sophia comes out of the house and is placed in the back of a car, staring at all this through the glass.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • The system also avoided hazardous conditions while controlling the spacecraft’s orientation, showing how autonomous software could reduce dependence on ground commands during military and scientific missions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities continue to warn the public about the dangers of the Kern River, describing it as extremely hazardous even for experienced swimmers.
    — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of hazardous
Adjective
  • In this context, replicating reputation management by political methods could prove perilous.
    — Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The acclaimed filmmaker's adaptation stars Matt Damon as the intrepid Greek king Odysseus, who embarks on a perilous voyage home following the Trojan War.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of perilous
Adjective
  • In the Himalayan region, fragile mountains, seismic activity and unpredictable underground conditions make tunnel projects especially risky.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • The new joint venture draws a line between Doronin’s two companies and moves the heavy, risky capital requirements of real estate development into a separate vehicle.
    — Katharina Kotrba, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of risky

Browse Nearby Words

menaces
menacing
ménage
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Cite this Entry

“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of menacing for Spanish Speakers

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