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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of menacing
M. Gessen, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
Yes, that sexiness extends to Oldman's menacing pimp Drexl Spivey.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 11 June 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 menacing
Adjective
This web page, which invites users to look up the number of immigrants supposedly arrested on charges of criminal activity in American cities and towns, belongs to a subgenre of Trumpian gestures that are menacing and sophomoric at the same time.
—M. Gessen, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
Yes, that sexiness extends to Oldman's menacing pimp Drexl Spivey.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 11 June 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
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 June 2026
-
Nothing sad or ominous to share this week.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
That is exactly why these fake job offers are so dangerous.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
-
Over the last week, the greatest threat of dangerous rip currents and sneaker waves has been on the beaches facing south or southwest, officials said.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Rempuszewski is now being held at the Allegheny County Jail and is facing charges of endangering the welfare of children, leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle, and recklessly endangering another person.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Pete Arredondo was charged in 2024 with 10 counts of endangering students.—
Josh Margolin,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Without the money, the town drew a hard line, threatening to withhold the necessary licensing needed for Gillette Stadium and Kraft Sports Entertainment LLC to host World Cup games in the town.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
High yields in bond markets worldwide caused by worries about inflation have already been threatening to slow economies and undercut prices for all kinds of investments.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
At the very least, they are connected to a sinister entity that preys on the minds of its victims.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
-
There’s been something sinister afoot in provincial France in recent years.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
-
The 12% concentrate is significantly more hazardous than the standard household version.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
When the perilous search for the Northwest Passage sparked a wave of popular interest in the Arctic, Church set off by schooner in search of icebergs.—
Susan Tallman,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
-
Leo wrapped up his weeklong trip to Spain in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago closer to Africa than the Iberian Peninsula and a key point of entry for migrants who make the perilous Atlantic crossing from West Africa.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
In one of them he was seen hanging from the edge of a rocky cliff using his bare hands, his legs dangling toward a steep slope in a risky performance without safety equipment.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
Regalado said Miami-Dade was rushing into a risky legal fight.—
Douglas Hanks
June 16,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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