menacing
Americanadjective
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. )
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.
So, they serve up an array of the outlandish - mid-scroll, viewers stumble upon a lover's fight or a menacing standoff.
From BBC
“All dark and menacing, they are. Thunderclouds, if you ask me. We’re in for a thunderstorm; mark my words.”
From Literature
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I groaned as Frederick and his brother Bruno approached with menacing grins on their faces.
From Literature
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Towards the end, the whole body of dancers becomes engaged, menacing as they approach, their tense stomachs flexing as if hungry.
From Barron's
In its all-black temporary colour, the car not only looked menacing, but also noticeably different from all its rivals.
From BBC
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.