menace

USAGE SUMMARY

'menace' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that presents a danger or risk. For example: "The terrorist organization was seen as a serious menace to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The menace had been all German, the South Americans' anxiety prompting a huddle just inside the mouth of the tunnel as they sought urgency with the intrusive television cameras shoved away by Martín Demichelis.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't move, so he moves on to menace other tables.

The Guardian - Travel

This is not a side that carries anything remotely like the menace of old.

The Guardian - Sport

This is no one-off Hockney menu for Peter Langan, Broadley's illustrations change constantly and are often laced with playful menace.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carlyle's genius is that he is not only totally convincing when he does this (even though his character had previously exuded all the violent tendencies of a sleepy birthday kitten), but also that, after the scene has finished, he does not do the obvious thing and continue tiresomely exuding 'quiet menace' for the rest of the movie.

The Guardian - Film

It epitomises that combination of menace and absurdity satirised in Chris Morris's film Four Lions.

The Guardian - Opinion

She will not be drawn on exactly what she means, but she says this, with a hint of menace: "I have a warning that there will be very serious consequences indeed, and I'm not sure they have been properly thought through".

The Guardian

The Frenchman, still wearing the No7 from his Manchester United heyday, has charisma but also an edge of menace.

The Guardian - Sport

Please speak to the victims of this menace.

The Guardian - Opinion

He offers the threat produced by the apparently unthreatening; small, plump, frail, he nonetheless conjures up a strangely devious menace.

The Guardian - Film

This is the latest instance of Washington dangling the Iranian menace to persist in its disastrous course in Iraq, starting with its illegal invasion of the country on false pretences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "menace" when you want to emphasize the potential harm or disruption something can cause.

Common error

While "menace" is a versatile word, avoid using it in overly casual contexts where simpler terms like "problem" or "annoyance" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "menace" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a perceived threat or danger. It also serves as a verb, meaning to threaten or endanger. As Ludwig AI shows, it can describe both concrete dangers and abstract threats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Sport

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Film

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Tech

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "menace" is a versatile term used to describe something or someone that poses a threat or danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the intensity of the threat you wish to convey and avoid overusing it in overly casual situations. Related terms like "threat" and "danger" can serve as effective synonyms. The word can function both as a noun and a verb and is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

threat

This is a direct synonym, indicating a potential danger or harm.

danger

Similar to "menace", this term denotes a situation that could cause harm or injury.

hazard

Implies a source of potential risk or peril.

peril

A state of serious and immediate danger.

risk

The possibility of something bad happening.

scourge

Highlights the destructive and widespread nature of the threat.

source of alarm

This phrase describes something that causes worry or fear.

annoyance

Focuses on the bothersome or irritating aspect of someone or something.

nuisance

Something causing inconvenience or trouble.

pest

Similar to nuisance, but often implies something living or difficult to control.

FAQs

How is "menace" used in a sentence?

"Menace" can be used as a noun to describe a threat or danger, such as "The storm was a real menace to coastal communities". It can also be used as a verb, meaning to threaten someone, such as "The bully tried to menace the smaller children".

What are some synonyms for "menace"?

Synonyms for "menace" include "threat", "danger", "hazard", and "peril". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "menace" to describe a person?

Yes, "menace" can describe a person who is annoying or troublesome. For example, "Dennis the Menace" is a classic cartoon character known for causing mischief. However, be mindful of the context, as it can also imply someone who poses a real threat.

What's the difference between "menace" and "nuisance"?

While both terms describe something undesirable, "menace" typically implies a greater degree of danger or threat than "nuisance". A "nuisance" is an annoyance, while a "menace" poses a potential risk of harm.