adj C2 Proficient Uncommon

menacing

MEH-nih-sihng

Menacing (adj) means giving the impression that harm or violence is about to happen; threatening. Example: “A menacing figure stood in the doorway.”

adj

Giving the impression that harm or violence is about to happen; threatening.

"A menacing figure stood in the doorway."

"The dog gave a low, menacing growl."

noun

The act of making threats.

"He was charged with menacing after the incident."

How to use menacing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLooking or sounding like trouble is coming.

Common pairings

menacing look menacing tone menacing figure

Word forms

more menacing comparative, menacings plural, most menacing superlative

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A _____ figure stood in the doorway.

Rhymes for menacing

facing racing pacing tracing placing bracing spacing embracing surfacing retracing

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Frequently asked questions

What does “menacing” mean?

The word “menacing” means giving the impression that harm or violence is about to happen; threatening. In plain terms, looking or sounding like trouble is coming.

How do you pronounce “menacing”?

“Menacing” is pronounced MEH-nih-sihng (/ˈmɛnɪsɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “menacing” in a sentence?

Here is “menacing” used in a sentence: “A menacing figure stood in the doorway.”

What part of speech is “menacing”?

Depending on how it is used, “menacing” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “menacing” a common word?

“Menacing” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “menacing” have?

“Menacing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: giving the impression that harm or violence is about to happen; threatening.