menacing
Americanadjective
Synonym Usage
See ominous.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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)."
Vocabulary lists containing menacing
The Diary of Anne Frank
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"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
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A Christmas Carol
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In marking these tragic anniversaries, let’s applaud the liberty and prosperity that lulls us, while vowing to resist the totalitarian threats menacing us, be they overseas or next door.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
On Sunday, Celtic issued an apology to Hearts, who had previously condemned the "menacing and threatening atmosphere" in the ground.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
In a statement Hearts has condemned the "menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium".
From BBC • May 17, 2026
When he gazed at the camera as Pennywise the clown, the resulting alert conveyed no concern about the menacing visage.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
And other times, for no apparent reason, he was angry and abrasive, his voice menacing.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
