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.

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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

One early peak of the set came when Jake Duzsik of the L.A. industrial-rock trio Health came out to duet on “The Drain,” a lurching, menacing collaborative single and a standout for both bands.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

So, they serve up an array of the outlandish - mid-scroll, viewers stumble upon a lover's fight or a menacing standoff.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 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 light post created menacing shadows on his face.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

• alarming
• dangerous
• frightening
• threatening