What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
menace
Example
The dark clouds on the horizon were a menacing sign of the approaching storm. [menacing: adjective]
Example
The gangster was a menace to society, causing chaos and destruction wherever he went. [menace: noun]
Example
He menaced her with a knife, demanding that she hand over her wallet. [menaced: verb]
intimidate
Example
The boss used his power to intimidate his employees into working overtime without pay. [intimidate: verb]
Example
She felt intimidated by the group of strangers staring at her from across the room. [intimidated: adjective]
Example
He tried to intimidate her by standing too close and speaking in a loud, aggressive tone. [intimidating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intimidate is more commonly used than menace in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Menace is less common and is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between menace and intimidate?
While menace is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, intimidate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
