menacing

American  

[men-i-sing] / ˈmɛn ɪ sɪŋ /

adjective

1. expressing or serving as a menace or threat: menacing language.

   his menacing glare;

   menacing language.

---

Related Words

See ominous.

Other Word Forms

• menacingly adverb
• nonmenacing adjective
• unmenacing adjective

Etymology

Origin of menacing

First recorded in 1350–1400; menace ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that is menacing is threatening or suggestive of coming danger. If you’re backing away slowly from something, you can probably use the adjective menacing to describe it! Menacing means “threatening” — whether it’s on purpose or not. A menacing tone is intended to scare you, but that menacing raincloud isn’t actually trying to ruin your day. Menacing can describe the behavior of a menace, but only the mean or dangerous kind — not just a pest: "The raccoon that always knocks over your garbage can is a menace, but it's not menacing (unless it also chases you around your house)."

Example Sentences

“Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas and our allies throughout the world,” he said in a recorded statement Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

In its all-black temporary colour, the car not only looked menacing, but also noticeably different from all its rivals.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

He is depicted relaxing, but the intensity of his gaze “gives it a menacing feel,” said Gregory Rubinstein, Sotheby’s head of old master drawings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Philip Harris-Genois, a 3D modeler at Rodeo FX, worked tirelessly for a year to perfect Demogorgon, the monster whose petaled face opens to reveal rows of menacing teeth.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

The police looked menacing, but they sounded friendly.

From "The Wild Robot Escapes" by Peter Brown

Related Words

• alarming
• dangerous
• frightening
• threatening