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
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
Chris McMullen, Space.com, 11 July 2025
Mark Strong’s menacing villain is a bit of a drip, and the finale devolves into CG overkill.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
The 2005 film incarnation terrorized moviegoers with menacing aliens bent on destroying everything in their path, including one very young and very scared Dakota Fanning.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Troy Morrow was also charged with a single count of menacing, a misdemeanor, court filings show.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for menacing
Adjective
Naturally, the latter's lightsaber is a menacing red.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 11 July 2025
Mark Strong’s menacing villain is a bit of a drip, and the finale devolves into CG overkill.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
The 2005 film incarnation terrorized moviegoers with menacing aliens bent on destroying everything in their path, including one very young and very scared Dakota Fanning.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Troy Morrow was also charged with a single count of menacing, a misdemeanor, court filings show.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
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,
11 July 2025
-
The signs in Iran are ominous—and the pleas from Iranian Jewish elders may now go unheard.—
Roya Hakakian,
The Atlantic,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
While air temperatures on Friday were forecasted in the 70s, water temperatures in the region remained in the dangerous mid-50s range.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
-
Don’t forget the sunscreen Looking toward the rest of that sun protection, a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will often be sufficient to protect your skin from dangerous UV radiation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Officers are rarely — if ever — punished for hitting or endangering bystanders.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Still others chase a motorbike onto the sidewalk, endangering nearby pedestrians.—
Eric Umansky,
ProPublica,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Richard curses again, threatening Blum.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The Palisades fire has garnered headlines, but the Hurst and Eaton fires have also been threatening very populated areas.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 July 2025
-
He’s then forced to compete in a sinister game of hide-and-seek, where even more players are eliminated.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Some have also reported hazardous biking conditions due to traffic.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 July 2025
-
By taking on hazardous or monotonous jobs, AEON allows human workers to focus on higher-value activities, helping companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 July 2025
-
The rap scene, then steeped in gangster culture, was perilous.—
Janine Rubenstein,
People.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Voyager is a risky but fruitful investment into a huge growth market, according to many analysts, who are counting on the company’s Starlab commercial space station as the ultimate upside opportunity for the firm.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
-
Much of this inventory is now sitting idle on the market, as buyers steer away from a likely risky investment.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Menacing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/menacing. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share