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

He evinces the warmhearted humanity that Sonny tries feebly to hide when he believes he has to show menacing swagger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

It was a dogfight and Italy's dogs were just that bit more menacing.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

They were far less menacing than the roving patrols of soldiers and police officers that were ubiquitous in France.

From Los Angeles Times • 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

“What are you doing here?” he asked the first soldier, a menacing, low roar beginning to sound in his throat.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

Related Words

• alarming
• dangerous
• frightening
• threatening