menacing

[men-i-sing]

adjective

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

   his menacing glare;

   menacing language.

Other Word Forms

• menacingly adverb
• nonmenacing adjective
• unmenacing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of menacing¹

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

Synonym Study

See ominous.

Example Sentences

“That would be really cool. So they came up with one and he looks pretty menacing.”

From Los Angeles Times

Look no further than the equally bombastic “My Mind Is a Mountain” and “Locked Club,” the menacing “Ecdysis,” the soaring Moreno-powered “I Think About You All the Time,” and the push-and-pull of the methodical “cxz.”

From Los Angeles Times

Bill Skarsgård reprises his portrayal of Pennywise as the series unveils the origins of the menacing clown, while also spotlighting a group of residents wrestling with their own fears and demons.

From Los Angeles Times

The danger of ignoring reality is becoming increasingly menacing and serious.

From Salon

Throughout the week, the American approach to the aims and hopes for the summit has been varied – shifting from the positive, to the cautious, to the menacing.

From BBC

Related Words

• alarming 
• dangerous 
• frightening www.thesaurus.com
• threatening